Effects of Trawl Selectivity and Genetic Parameters on Fish Body Length Under Long-Term Trawling

Long-term fishing pressure affects the biological characteristics of exploited fish stocks. The biological characteristics of hairtail(Trichiurus lepturus) in the East China Sea are unable to recover because of long-term trawling. Fishing induces evolutionary effects on the fish's biological characteristics. Evidence of these changes includes small size at age, a shift to earlier age structure, and early maturation. Natural and artificial selection usually affect the fish's life history. Selection can induce different chances of reproduction, and individual fish can give a different genetic contribution to the next generation. In this study, analysis of time-dependent probability of significance and test of sensitivity were used to explore the effects of fish exploitation rate, mesh size, and heritability with long-term trawling. Results showed that fishing parameters were important drivers to exploited fish population. However, genetic traits altered by fishing were slow, and the changes in biological characteristics were weaker than those caused by fishing selection. Exploitation rate and mesh size exhibited similar evolutionary trend tendency under long-term fishing. The time-dependent probability of significance trend showed a gradual growth and tended to be stable. Therefore, the direction of fishing-induced evolution and successful management of fish species require considerable attention to contribute to sustainable fisheries in China.

Simplified Approximate Expressions for the Boundary Layer Flow in Cylindrical Sections in Plankton Nets and Trawls

Trawls and plankton nets are basically made up of conical and cylindrical net sections. In conical sections the flow will pass through the inclined net wall with a noticeable angle of attack, and then the flow, filtration and drag can be suitably modelled e.g. by a pressure drop approach [1]. In cylindrical and other non-tapered net sections, such as foreparts and extension pieces in trawls and plankton nets, the flow is directed along the net wall and is best considered in terms of a boundary layer. Boundary layer theory and turbulence models can be used to describe such flow, but this requires extensive numerical modelling and computational effort. Simplified approximate formulas providing a qualitative description of the flow with some quantitative accuracy are therefore also useful. This work presents simplified parametric expressions for boundary layer flow in cylindrical net sections, including the boundary layer thickness and growth rate along the net, the filtration velocity out of the net wall, the decrease in mass flux through the net due to the growing boundary layer, and the effect of twine thickness, flow (towing) velocity and the dimensions of the net. These expressions may be useful for assessing the existence and extension of a boundary layer, for appropriate scaling of boundary layer effects in model tests, for proper placement of velocity measurement probes, for assessing the influence on filtration and clogging of plankton net sections, and more.

Hydrodynamic Performance of a Newly-Designed Pelagic and Demersal Trawls Using Physical Modeling and Analytical Methods for Cameroonian Industrial Fisheries

This study proposed the newly-designed Pelagic and demersal trawls for the fishing vessels operating in Cameroonian waters in pelagic and demersal fishing grounds. The engineering performances of both trawls were investigated using physical modelling method and analytical method based on the predicted equations. In a flume tank, a series of physical model tests based on Tauti’s law were performed to investigate the hydrodynamic and geometrical performances of both trawls and to assess the applicability of the analytical methods based on predicted equations. The results showed that in model scale, the working towing speed and door spread for the pelagic trawl were 3.5 knots and 1.85 m, respectively, and for the bottom trawl net they were 4.0 knots and 1.8 m. At that speed and door spread, the drag force, net opening height, and wing-end spread of the pelagic model trawl were 36.73 N, 0.89 m, and 0.86 m, respectively, and the swept area was 0.76 m2. Bottom trawl speed and door spread were 30.43 N, 0.38 m, and 0.45 m, respectively, and the swept area was 0.25 m2. The maximum difference between the experimental and analytical results of hydrodynamic performances was less than 56.22% and 41.45%, respectively, for pelagic and bottom trawls, the results of the geometrical performances obtained using predicted equations were close to the experimental results in the flume tank with a maximum relative error less than 12.85%. The newly developed pelagic and bottom trawls had advanced engineering performance for high catch efficiency and selectivity and could be used in commercial fishing operations in Cameroonian waters.

Fishing Production and Fishing Changes in Hong Kong after the Ground Trawl Ban of 31st December 2012:A Geospatial Evaluation

From data published by the Hong Kong SAR(HKSAR)government in their two sole fisheries surveys of 2006 and 2016/2017,the current authors produced regional maps using spatial interpolation to more accurately describe and estimate the geographic coverage of changes in fishing production in Hong Kong waters since the ground trawl ban of 2012 December 31st.These suggest the fishing industry has adapted to smaller craft,and that fishing production increased in several areas in the period after the ground trawl ban came into effect.In addition,the maps enable a smoother assessment to be made of the geospatial changes in fishing production which have occurred since the ground trawl ban and suggest a‘workaround’by fishermen.In particular,small fishing craft known as sampans are able to take advantage by being more suitable vessels for areas such as narrower or shallower bays.Marine plastics pollution is also a proxy indicator of these activities,as evidenced by discarded fishing gear that includes plastic nets,floats,and other fishing boat equipment.

Analyses of Trawling Track and Fishing Activity Based on the Data of Vessel Monitoring System(VMS): A Case Study of the Single Otter Trawl Vessels in the Zhoushan Fishing Ground

The original purpose of Vessel Monitoring System(VMS) is for enforcement and control of vessel sailing. With the application of VMS in fishing vessels, more and more population dynamic studies have used VMS data to improve the accuracy of fisheries stock assessment. In this paper, we simulated the trawl trajectory under different time intervals using the cubic Hermite spline(c Hs) interpolation method based on the VMS data of 8 single otter trawl vessels(totally 36000 data items) fishing in Zhoushan fishing ground from September 2012 to December 2012, and selected the appropriate time interval. We then determined vessels' activities(fishing or non-fishing) by comparing VMS speed data with the corresponding speeds from logbooks. The results showed that the error of simulated trajectory greatly increased with the increase of time intervals of VMS data when they were longer than 30 minutes. Comparing the speeds from VMS with those from the corresponding logbooks, we found that the vessels' speeds were between 2.5 kn and 5.0 kn in fishing. The c Hs interpolation method is a new choice for improving the accuracy of estimation of sailing trajectory, and the VMS can be used to determine the vessels' activities with the analysis of their trajectories and speeds. Therefore, when the fishery information is limited, VMS can be one of the important data sources for fisheries stock assessment, and more attention should be paid to its construction and application to fisheries stock assessment and management.

Impacts of the sampling design on the abundance index estimation of Portunus trituberculatus using bottom trawl

In the survey of fishery resources,the sampling design will directly impact the accuracy of the estimation of the abundance.Therefore,it is necessary to optimize the sampling design to increase the quality of fishery surveys.The distribution and abundance of fisheries resource estimated based on the bottom trawl survey data in the Changjiang River(Yangtze River)Estuary-Hangzhou Bay and its adjacent waters in 2007 were used to simulate the"true"situation.Then the abundance index of Portunus trituberculatus were calculated and compared with its true index to evaluate the impacts of different sampling designs on the abundance estimation.Four sampling methods(including fixed-station sampling,simple random sampling,stratified fixed-station sampling,and stratified random sampling)were simulated.Three numbers of stations(9,16 and 24)were assumed for the scenarios of fixed-station sampling and simple random sampling without stratification.While 16 stations were assumed for the scenarios with stratification.Three reaction distances(1.5 m,3 m and 5 m)of P.trituberculatus to the bottom line of trawl were also assumed to adapt to the movement ability of the P.trituberculatus for different ages,seasons and substrate conditions.Generally speaking,compared with unstratified sampling design,the stratified sampling design resulted in more accurate abundance estimation of P.trituberculatus,and simple random sampling design is better than fixed-station sampling design.The accuracy of the simulated results was improved with the increase of the station number.The maximum relative estimation error(REE)was 163.43%and the minimum was 49.40%for the fixed-station sampling scenario with 9 stations,while 38.62%and 4.15%for 24 stations.With the increase of reaction distance,the relative absolute bias(RAB)and REE gradually decreased.Resource-intensive area and the seasons with high density variances have significant impacts on simulation results.Thus,it will be helpful if there are prior information or pre-survey results about density distribution.The current study can provide reference for the future sampling design of bottom trawl of P.trituberculatus and other species.

Spatiotemporal factors affecting fish harvest and their use in estimating the monthly yield of single otter trawls in Putuo district of Zhoushan, China

We used generalized additive models (GAM) to analyze the relationship between spatiotemporal factors and catch, and to estimate the monthly marine fishery yield of single otter trawls in Putuo district of Zhoushan, China. We used logbooks from five commercial fishing boats and data in government's monthly statistical reports. We developed two GAM models: one included temporal variables (month and hauling time) and spatial variables (longitude and latitude), and another included just two variables, month and the number of fishing boats. Our results suggest that temporal factors explained more of the variability in catch than spatial factors. Furthermore, month explained the majority of variation in catch. Change in spatial distribution of fleet had a temporal component as the boats fished within a relatively small area within the same month, but the area varied among months. The number of boats fishing in each month also explained a large proportion of the variation in catch. Engine power had no effect on catch. The pseudo-coefficients (PCf) of the two GAMs were 0.13 and 0.29 respectively, indicating the both had good fits. The model yielded estimates that were very similar to those in the governmental reports between January to September, with relative estimate errors (REE) of <18%. However, the yields in October and November were significantly underestimated, with REEs of 36% and 27%, respectively.

Size selectivity of combined square and diamond mesh codends of shrimp beam trawl for banded scad Caranx(Atule)kalla in the northern South China Sea

The shrimp beam trawl fishery in the northern South China Sea is characterized by high by-catch and poor selectivity problems.Among by-catch species,banded scad(Caranx(Atule)kalla)is economically the most important one.The aim of this study is to improve the selective properties of codends for banded scad.Size selectivity of 2 traditional diamond mesh codends,with mesh size 25 and 30 mm(defined as D25 and D30,respectively),and 4 new combined square and diamond mesh codends,with25 mm square-mesh and 25 mm diamond-mesh(S25+D25),30 mm square-mesh and 25 mm diamondmesh(S30+D25),35 mm square-mesh and 25 mm diamond-mesh(S35+D25),and 35 mm square-mesh and18 mm diamond-mesh(S35+D18),were tested for banded scad in shrimp beam trawl fishery of the South China Sea.A total of 54 valid hauls were finished using the covered codend method,and 5750 banded scad were caught.Selective parameters were obtained using the logistic equation with the maximum likelihood method,by incorporating the between-haul variation.The results show that the present minimum mesh size for shrimp beam trawl in the South China Sea,25-mm diamond mesh size,is insufficient to release immature banded scad.The S35+D25 codend is proved to be the most eff ective codend to release immature banded scad,and its 50%retention length(L _(50))is larger than the minimum landing size(MLS=63.5 mm)of banded scad.However,the 95%confidence intervals of L _(50) overlap among the three combined mesh codends,the S25+D25,S30+D25 and S35+D25 codend.For a sustainable exploitation of banded scad,larger mesh sizes are suggested to be investigated for the combined mesh codends.

Fuzzy robust path tracking strategy of an active pelagic trawl system with coordinated ship and winch regulation

A fuzzy robust path tracking strategy of an active pelagic trawl system with ship and winch regulation is proposed.First,nonlinear mathematic model of the pelagic trawl system was derived using Lagrange equation and further simplified as a low order model for the convenience of controller design.Then,an active path tracking strategy of pelagic trawl system was investigated to improve the catching efficiency of the target fish near the sea bottom.By means of the active tracking control,the pelagic trawl net can be positioned dynamically to follow a specified trajectory via the coordinated winch and ship regulation.In addition,considering the system nonlinearities,modeling uncertainties and the unknown exogenous disturbance of the trawl system model,a nonlinear robust H2 /H∞ controller based on Takagi-Sugeno(T-S) fuzzy model was presented,and the simulation comparison with linear robust H2 /H∞ controller and PID method was conducted for the validation of the nonlinear fuzzy robust controller.The nonlinear simulation results show that the average tracking error is 0.4 m for the fuzzy robust H2 /H∞ control and 125.8 m for the vertical and horizontal displacement,respectively,which is much smaller than linear H2 /H∞ controller and the PID controller.The investigation results illustrate that the fuzzy robust controller is effective for the active path tracking control of the pelagic trawl system.

Relationship between trawl selectivity and fish body size in a simulated population

Trawl is a main fishing gear in Chinese fishery,capturing large fish and letting small ones at large.However,long-term use of trawl would result in changes of phenotypic traits of the fish stocks,such as smaller size-at-age and earlier age-at-maturation.In this study,we simulated a fish population with size characteristics of trawl fishing and the population produces one generation of offspring and lives for one year,used trawl to exploit the simulated fish population,and captured individuals by body size.We evaluated the impact of the changes on selectivity parameters,such as selective range and the length at 50% retention.Under fishing pressure,we specified the selectivity parameters,and determined that smaller selection rates and greater length at 50% retention were associated with an increased tendency towards miniaturization.

Trawling算法在Web结构挖掘中的应用

在Web信息检索中,如何能够提取出与某个主题信息相关的网页变得异常重要,web结构挖掘作为web数据挖掘的一个重要方面,主要挖掘web潜在的链接结构模式,通过分析一个网页链接和被链接数量以及对象来建立web自身的链接结构模式,可以用于网页归类,本文探讨了Trawling算法在Web结构挖掘中的应用。

Robust Optimal Output Tracking Control of A Midwater Trawl System Based on T-S Fuzzy Nonlinear Model

A robust optimal output tracking control method for a midwater trawl system is investigated based on T-S fuzzy nonlinear model. A simplified nonlinear mathematical model is first employed to represent a midwater trawl system, and then a T-S fuzzy model is adopted to approximate the nonlinear system. Since the strong nonlinearities and the external disturbance of the trawling system, a mixed H2/H∞ fuzzy output tracking control strategy via T-S fuzzy system is proposed to regulate the trawl depth to follow a desired trajectory. The trawl depth can be regulated by adjusting the winch velocity automatically and the tracking error can be minimized according to the robust optimal criterion. In order to validate the proposed control method, a computer simulation is conducted. The simulation results indicate that the proposed fuzzy robust optimal controller make the trawl net rapidly follow the desired trajectory under the model uncertainties and the extemal disturbance caused by wave and current.

Potential Ecosystem Level Effects of a Shrimp Trawling Fishery in La Paz Bay, Mexico

The shrimp trawling fishery is the most important one in Mexico in value terms and given its putative environmental, societal and economical implications, it is also the most difficult to manage. Although this fishery was restricted from national bays and estuaries since the 1970’s, local fisheries cooperatives recently claimed access to shrimp stocks within La Paz Bay by using an artisanal fleet and a low impact trawling net. This study is aiming at simulating some ecosystem level effects of such a potential fishing effort release. We explored the response of three ecosystem indicators under two different exploitation scenarios: 30% and 80% of shrimp biomass removal. The indicators were: relative ecosystem biomass distribution as function of trophic level, trophic replacement and interaction strength, all computed from the outputs of a mass balance dynamic model (Ecopath with Ecosim) of this ecosystem. Our results suggest that moderate fishing scenario (30%) would not cause major changes in either indicator whilst the scenario of strong fishing pressure (80%) seems to increase not only the fish resources variability at the population level but also the variability of the overall biomass, hence potentially reducing ecosystem stability.

Improving Energy Efficiency in New Trawlers Fishing Gear in Mediterranean Sea

The objective of this work is to show the benefits of a new eco-systemic fishing gear installed in three bottom trawlers after one year using it. The study has been based on fuel consumption reduction for the three vessels and the catch in two of them. The new system minimizes the impact of the fishing gear on the seabed, with a reduction on the tow resistance. This generates significant fuel savings that improves the economical result of the fishery, helping the ship owners in the return of investment first, then in the future viability of the operation. Apart of the evident savings due to the fuel consumption reduction, in the long term, the ship owner will notice also savings on maintenance, both because the winches are towing with less tension （longer life for warps, brakes and hydraulic system） and the engine is running at low rpm＇s （longer life of the engine and between breakdowns）. The new fishing gear does not require any modification on the way that the fisherman is working, only replacing and/or modifying some parts or components of the fishing gear. The implementation is easy and the adjustments required could be done in a couple of days.

离底拖网的游泳动物群落特征——以兄弟岛渔场为例

为探究离底拖网对游泳动物的群落结构以及捕捞量的影响,于2019年9月和2020年9月在福建海域兄弟岛渔场开展了36网次的底拖网专项试验,通过调整曳纲长度控制底拖网作业过程中的网位变动,分别保持底拖网作业在贴底或离底1 m的状态,以物种组成、渔获量对数均值、优势度、多度谱、多样性等参数,分析和比较了贴底拖和离底拖的游泳动物群落结构变化。结果显示:贴底拖和离底拖游泳动物的种类数分别为126种和79种,贴底拖游泳动物的总尾数和总体质量均为离底拖的3倍,贴底拖的渔获量对数均值比离底拖要高0.36,表明贴底拖网的渔获物以栖息于底层的游泳动物为主;贴底拖的游泳动物多样性、均匀度和丰富度分别为2.81、0.65和10.01,均高于离底拖(2.29、0.60和8.13),经济幼鱼的比例更高,说明贴底拖会对游泳动物的多样性以及幼鱼造成更大的损害;离底拖游泳动物的优势度指数为0.41,高于贴底拖的0.29,其多度谱曲线更陡,说明近底层游泳动物群落优势种分布更集中、数量分布不均匀。研究结果可以为底拖网渔业的科学管理提供依据。

A Review of Microplastics in China Marine Waters

Microplastics(<5 mm)are ubiquitous in the environment and can pose potential danger to the ecosystem and even human health.As the sink of microplastics,the ocean,especially the densely populated coastal area,has become a hotspot for research on microplastic pollution.In the last decade,the research of marine microplastics has been rapidly increasing in China.This review summarized the microplastic research conducted in China marine waters so far,and introduced the trends and progress of microplastic research in the four seas along the coast of China.We reviewed and compared the current sampling,extraction,and identification methodologies of China's microplastic research.According to the sampling method,the 30 reviewed studies were separated into two categories,trawl sampling and bulk sampling,to summarize relevant data,including abundance,sizes,shapes,colors and polymer types of microplastics.The main results showed that the distribution of microplastics in China's marine environment varied significantly,with offshore mariculture zones and the South China Sea being the most contaminated areas.Transparent,granules(or pellets)and fibers were the most dominant microplastic colors and shapes,and the size of microplastics was influenced significantly by the sampling method.Polyethylene(PE),polypropylene(PP)and polystyrene(PS)were the most common polymer types found in the China Sea,accounting for 49.96%,29.97%,and 12.38%of the total studies,respectively.Compared with other global data,China's coastal microplastic pollution is at an intermediate level and does not seem to be a major microplastic pollution source.

南极磷虾拖网的性能优化分析

针对一顶中国目前正在使用的南极磷虾(Euphausia superba)拖网进行网具优化试验,设计了调整参数为浮沉比、上下手纲(等长)和叉纲的三因子L9(34)正交实验,并在3组L/S(水平扩张比)和5级拖速下完成了135次拖曳试验。结果表明:(1)随着拖速和L/S的增加,网具阻力增加,网口高度降低;(2)流速为3 kn情况下,L/S=0.45时,对阻力(Fs)和网具功率消耗(Ps)影响的主次顺序均为沉力(A)>叉纲(C)>手纲(B),对网口高度(Hs)影响的主次顺序为A>B>C,对能耗系数(Ce)影响的主次顺序为C>A>B,水动力性能的最优组合为A3B3C1;L/S=0.5时,对Fs、Hs和Ps影响的主次顺序均为C>A>B,对Ce影响的主次顺序为B>C>A,最优组合为A2B3C3;L/S=0.55时,对Fs和Ps影响的主次顺序均为C>A>B,对Hs影响的主次顺序为B>A>C,对Ce影响的主次顺序为B>C>A,最优组合为A2B3C3;(3)当L/S极低为0.2时,网口的水平扩张约为23 m,虽然此时网口高度有一定的提高,但网具的综合性能却显著下降,能耗系数增加;(4)增加沉力,适当放长手纲和叉纲可以有效提高已定型网具的性能。为确保在低拖速下达到网具的高扩张性能,应考虑改进网板性能,建议采用低拖速高扩张性网板。

大网目底拖网网身长度对网具性能的影响

通过拖网模型水池试验,分析比较了我国大网目底拖网网身长度设计参数对网具阻力、网口垂直扩张和能耗系数的影响,并选择网身设计参数的最佳范围.试验结果表明：1）保持大网目底拖网网身前部的网衣结构和尺寸及其他条件不变,网具阻力随身周比（Lb/C）的增加而增大;拖速为2.5 ～3.0 kn时,网具阻力变化幅度较小;2）当Lb/C为0.10 ～0.13时,网具阻力几乎不变,而当Lb/C大于0.13时,网具阻力有较明显的增加,适当缩短网身一定程度上可降低阻力;3）身周比变化对网口垂直扩张有较明显的影响,Lb/C由0.10增加到0.13时,网口高度逐渐增加,之后高度降低,身周比为0.13时网具获得最佳网口垂直扩张;4）身周比在0.10 ～0.13之间时,能耗系数最低;5）在高拖速下网身部位对大网目底拖网性能影响较低速下更明显,且网身网目更易张开.本实验结果对于此规格的底拖网在网身长度的设计中具有一定的指导意义.

大亚湾春秋季鱼类种类组成及年龄结构分析

2006年4月和9月对大亚湾海域通过拖网和流刺网捕获的鱼类进行初步调查.结果表明,渔获物中出现18目76科135属200种鱼类,其中软骨鱼纲4目5科5属6种,占调查鱼类总种数的3.0%;硬骨鱼纲14目71科130属194种,占调查鱼类总种数的97.0%.根据其适温类型可分为暖水性种、暖温性种和冷温性种,其中暖水性鱼类有183种,占总种数的91.5%;暖温性鱼类有16种,占总种数的8.0%;冷温性鱼类仅有1种,占总种数的0.5%.渔获物中底层和近底层鱼类占多数,其中,底层鱼类共有74种,占总种数的37.0%;近底层鱼类共有68种,占总种数的34.0%;中上层鱼类共有45种,占总种数的22.5%;岩礁鱼类有13种,占总种数的6.5%.大亚湾鱼类的年龄普遍偏低,以1 a龄鱼为主.与相邻海区鱼类区系特征比较,大亚湾海域具有我国热带和亚热带性海湾的鱼类区系特征.

西非海域单船底拖网的试验研究-Ⅰ四片式拖网的设计与试验

以1029 kW六片式拖网为母型,设计四片式拖网,并进行水槽模型试验,分析其水动力性能。研究结果表明:通过改进上下纲结构形式、调整上下纲比例和背侧网比例,四片式拖网的水动力性能得到了较大的提高。当拖速为3.5 kn时,四片式拖网的阻力仅为44.57 kN,网口高度达5.9 m,水动力性能系数为2.32 m2/kN,能耗系数为1.20 kW.h/104m3。