Effect of Codend Design and Mesh Size on the Size Selectivity and Exploitation Pattern of Three Commercial Fish in Stow Net Fishery of the Yellow Sea, China

To address the issue of minimum mesh size regulations of the stow net fishery for croaker species, we tested and compared the size selectivity and exploitation pattern for diamond- and square-mesh codends with mesh sizes 35, 45 and 55 mm for little yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis), silver croaker (Pennahia argentata), and flower croaker (Nibea albiflora) in the Yellow Sea, China. Our results showed that the legal codend (35 mm diamond-mesh) was inadequate to protect the juvenile croaker species because more than 75% of undersized individuals were retained, and the discard ratios were as high as approximately 60%. Irrespective of mesh shape, increasing the codend mesh sizes could significantly improve the size selectivity and exploitation pattern of croaker species. Between codends with the same mesh size, the square-mesh codends had higher size selectivity than diamond-mesh codends. Based on results, the 55 mm square-mesh codend was recommended for rational exploitation of croaker stocks. This study can provide feasibility and insight for the enforcement and reform of management strategies for sustainable fishing in Chinese stow net fisheries.