Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Gill nets have been used to harvest sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in Bristol Bay since 1884. Minimum mesh size restrictions have been in effect since 1926 to alter size composition of the commercial catch. The most recent restriction (5-3/8 inches, stretched) was selected to maximize catch of males, the larger of the sexes, while allowing more females to spawn. Analysis of historical data indicated that minimum mesh size regulations were effective in increasing the catch of larger sockeye salmon while allowing smaller fish to escape. Also, multistrand monofilament gill nets, a recent technological development, caught more small sockeye salmon than did traditional multifilament nylon gear. Test fishing studies using multistrand monofilament and multifilament nylon gill nets showed that mesh size influenced mean length as well as sex and age composition of catches for both types of web. However, catch per unit effort was greater for multistrand monofilament than for multifilament nylon gill nets.

Publication Date

5-17-1986

Handle

http://hdl.handle.net/11122/14656

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