NAFO Sci. Coun. Studies, 12:21-25
Greenland Fisheries Research Institute
Tagensvej 135, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
Size distribution for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) caught in strings of gillnets with different mesh sizes is compared to size distributions from concurrent trawl and jig catches. It is concluded that the size distribution of the gillnet string is very dependent on the choice of mesh sizes. A bimodal selection pattern is found in the gill nets as cod are mainly attached behind the gill or at the jaw region. The size of fish caught by both methods is simply related to mesh size. Finally, possible effects of selection on survey results are discussed.