Comparing trawl and creel fishing for Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus): biological and economic considerations. | - CCMAR -

Journal Article

TitleComparing trawl and creel fishing for Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus): biological and economic considerations.
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsLeocádio, AMaria, Whitmarsh, D, Castro, M
Year of Publication2012
JournalPLoS One
Volume7
Issue7
Date Published2012
Paginatione39567
ISSN1932-6203
KeywordsAnimals, Body Size, Female, Male, Nephropidae, Shellfish
Abstract

This study compares the fishing activity and landings of the trawl and creel fisheries for Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus (L.)) off the Portuguese coast, and evaluates the financial viability of two vessels typical of each fleet. Crustacean trawlers are part of an industrial fleet that, besides Nephrops, targets deep water shrimps. Creels are used by a multi-gear, multi-target artisanal fleet, fishing only in areas unavailable to trawlers and, when catching Nephrops, set specifically to target this species. Trawlers have in recent years contributed with 85% of the landings in weight, but only 74% in value (2005-2009 average). Despite smaller landings, the Nephrops creel fishery provides individuals of larger size and in better condition, thereby obtaining higher unit prices. Economic viability was also higher for the creel vessel, with trawling being only viable if major costs (such as labor and fuel) are covered by the revenue from other target species (e.g., the rose shrimp). At present, Nephrops populations on the South and SW coast are subject to intense fishing and to a recovery plan. The possibility of reallocation of some of the fishing effort directed at Nephrops from trawlers to creels is discussed in terms of the conservation of the resource and economic return.

DOI10.1371/journal.pone.0039567
Sapientia

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22848357?dopt=Abstract

Alternate JournalPLoS ONE
PubMed ID22848357
PubMed Central IDPMC3405070