Haddock Discard Reduction Trials Using Square-Mesh Panels in 2014

Fisheries Science Partnership data from experimental trials in August 2014 aboard the twin-rig trawler Our Olivia Belle. The trials investigated the effect of inserting 155 mm square-mesh panels into a trawl to reduce unwanted haddock discards in a mixed demersal fishery off south-west Cornwall. The dataset likely contains comparative catch data between modified and standard trawl nets from a series of tows.

Use Cases

• Modeling the selectivity performance of 155 mm square-mesh panels based on comparative catch data.
• Assessing the impact of technical gear modifications on target species catches like haddock.
• Informing fisheries management policies for discard reduction and catch quotas.
• Analyzing catch composition in a mixed demersal fishery off south-west Cornwall.

Strengths

• Data originates from a structured scientific trial conducted by the Fisheries Science Partnership.
• The experimental aim and methodology, including the use of a 155 mm square-mesh panel, are clearly described.

Limitations

• Row count and dataset scale are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Government Digital Service (via EU Open Data portal), likely originating from UK fisheries research.

Collection Method

Experimental fishing trials comparing modified and standard otter trawls in a series of tows.

Time Range

August 2014

Freshness

Data is from a specific trial in August 2014; temporal coverage is limited to that period.

Geography

Fishing grounds off south-west Cornwall, UK.