https://ogma.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Index en-au 5 Optimising mesh size with escape gaps in a dual-species portunid-trap fishery https://ogma.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:42562 Thu 25 Aug 2022 11:05:19 AEST ]]> Cumulative selectivity benefits of increasing mesh size and using escape gaps in Australian Portunus armatus traps https://ogma.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:36782 Portunus armatus Milne‐Edwards and yellowfin bream, Acanthopagrus australis Günther (by 64%). Irrespective of escape gaps, simply increasing the mesh size to 75 mm did not significantly affect catches of undersized P. armatus, although 87% fewer A. australis were retained. Traps with both 75‐mm mesh and escape gaps maintained reductions of A. australis, but had a clear cumulative effect on P. armatus selection, retaining 84% fewer undersized individuals across a larger size at retention. The results support using escape gaps in existing conventional traps, but illustrate the need to configure the minimum legal mesh size to approach the desired target size of P. armatus as a precursor to maximising trap selectivity. Larger‐meshed traps also require less material (i.e. plastic), which benefits their manufacture and, equally importantly, reduces environmental costs when lost.]]> Fri 03 Jul 2020 17:36:41 AEST ]]>