Impact of ground gear design on catch efficiency in demersal trawl fishery

The choice of ground gear design in demersal trawls can significantly affect both catch composition and efficiency. The preference for a specific design depends on the fishing ground. In the North-Eastern Mediterranean, two types of ground gears, Single Line and Double Line are commonly used. Therefore, this study compared the catch performance for trawls using these ground gears during research trials in the Mersin Bay multi-species demersal trawl fishery. Results showed a significant reduction in catch efficiency for common sole (Solea solea) and lizardfish (Saurida lessepsianus) with more juveniles and target-sized individuals being released by the Double Line trawl compared to the Single Line trawl. Contrary, no difference was obtained for red mullet (Mullus barbatus) between the two gears. The present study demonstrates that ground gear design can affect species and size composition in demersal trawl fisheries. Therefore, ground gear design should be considered in the fisheries regulations as well as for demersal sampling trawl configurations.