Effect of hook design on longline catches in Lakshadweep sea, India
Effect of hook design on longline catches in Lakshadweep sea, India
Date
2013
Authors
Aneesh Kumar, K.V.
Paresh, S.K.
Pravin, P.
Madhu, V.R.
Meenakumari, B.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
Tuna longlining is considered as an ecofriendly, economical, species-selective and size-selective fishing technique suitable
for harvesting sparsely distributed large predatory fishes. Many non-targeted and protected species like marine turtles,
seabirds, cetaceans and sharks are also caught as bycatch in the pelagic longline gear. Investigations were undertaken to
evaluate the effect of hook design on the longline catches in Lakshadweep Sea by comparing the species selection efficiency,
bait holding efficiency and hooking pattern of the Japanese and circle hook designs. The results indicated that hook design
has no effect on the catching efficiency, species selectivity and bait holding ability in pelagic longline fisheries in Lakshadweep
Sea. The hooking pattern was found to be significantly different, indicating favorable hooking locations in the case of circle
hooks. The results of the present study, indicated the positive effects of circle hooks in minimising the impact of bycatch by
hooking on the fish favouring post-release survival of the species.
Description
Keywords
Hook design, Lakshadweep Sea, Longline, Selectivity
Citation
Indian J. Fish 60: 21-27