A new algorithm for estimating gillnet selectivity

The estimation of gear selectivity is a critical issue in fishery stock assessment and management.Several methods have been developed for estimating gillnet selectivity,but they all have their limitations,such as inappropriate objective function in data fitting,lack of unique estimates due to the difficulty in finding global minima in minimization,biased estimates due to outliers,and estimations of selectivity being influenced by the predetermined selectivity functions.In this study,we develop a new algorithm that can overcome the above-mentioned problems in estimating the gillnet selectivity.The proposed algorithms include minimizing the sum of squared vertical distances between two adjacent points and minimizing the weighted sum of squared vertical distances between two adjacent points in the presence of outliers.According to the estimated gillnet selectivity curve,the selectivity function can also be determined.This study suggests that the proposed algorithm is not sensitive to outliers in selectivity data and improves on the previous methods in estimating gillnet selectivity and relative population density of fish when a gillnet is used as a sampling tool.We suggest the proposed approach be used in estimating gillnet selectivity.

Effect of twine thickness on size-selectivity of driftnet for the yellow croaker Larimichthys polyactis in southwestern Sea of Korea

In order to determine the effect of twine thickness on the size-selectivity of the driftnet used for the yellow croaker, size-selectivity tests were conducted with three different twine thicknesses(monofi lament diameters of 0.279 mm(number's method; No. 3), 0.321 mm(No. 4), and 0.360 mm(No. 5)) of driftnets for the yellow croaker in the seas around Chooja-do, Jeju Islands. The selectivity curve was estimated by using Kitahara's method. In order to determine the physical properties of the twine used in the experimental fi shing nets, we measured the breaking load, elongation, and stiffness under both dry and wet conditions. In terms of physical properties, the thinnest twine(No. 3) had the strongest breaking strength per unit cross-sectional area, along with good elongation and excellent fl exibility. The thickest twine(No. 5) had the lowest fl exibility. In terms of selectivity, the net of No. 3 twine showed the broadest selection range and, thus, a relatively low selectivity compared with the other nets, while the less fl exible net of No. 5 twine showed the narrowest selectivity range and high selectivity. In addition, it was found that a thicker twine resulted in a smaller haul of small fi sh. Therefore, it can be inferred that the thickness of the twine affects the size of the catch and selectivity, and thus the size composition of the catch as well.