Mesh size selectivity of gill nets in western Pamlico Sound, North Carolina / by Christopher J. Wilson.
| Author/creator | Wilson, Christopher J. author. |
| Other author | Rulifson, Roger A. (Roger Allen), 1951- degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Biology. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 1999. |
| Description | xi, 151 leaves : illustrations (some color) ; 28 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Summary | The amount of gill netting used in North Carolina waters has become increasingly controversial in recent years. Recreational hook and line fishermen contend that these nets catch and kill small finfish as incidental bycatch, contributing to resource waste. Knowledge offish size selectivity is needed in managing commercial and recreational gill net fisheries, as the proper mesh size aids in obtaining the maximum yield per recruit and protecting small fish. The objective of this study was to qualitatively examine the selectivity of various mesh size nets on Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), red drum {Scieanops ocellatus), spot {Leiostomus xanthurus), spotted seatrout {Cynoscion nebulosas), striped bass {Morona saxatilis), striped mullet {Mugil cephalus), and weakfish (Cynoscion regalis). Secondary objectives were to characterize catches of small mesh nets and examine instantaneous mortality associated with nets allowed to fish overnight. Selectivity curves were calculated for each target species and mesh size by fitting the catches to a predetermined distribution using an a priori model of the selectivity curves. Atlantic croaker, spot, and striped mullet exhibited narrow selection ranges with all nets selecting marketable sized fish with only modest spoilage rates. Striped bass and red drum exhibited expanded selectivity ranges with no mesh size tested selecting legal sized fish at the L25 level. These two species also exhibited higher mortality and spoilage rates, especially within warmer temperature. Because legal-sized red drum and striped bass were not selected at the L25 level for any of the mesh sizes tested, this study suggests a mesh size greater that 4.50 inches should be used when fishing non-attended gear in areas with high probabilities of capture for these species. |
| General note | Submitted to the faculty of the Department of Biology. |
| General note | Advisor: Roger A. Rulifson |
| Dissertation note | M.S. East Carolina University 1999 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 47-48). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | University Archives | ASK AT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DESK | ✔ Available | Request Material |
| Electronic Resources | Access Content Online | ✔ Available |