Square mesh panel bycatch reduction device

The square mesh panel codend is a type of bycatch reduction device (BRD). This BRD is made up of an inner and outer panel of different sized square mesh at a set distance from the drawstring. The mesh for this panel is specifically designed to exclude target-sized fish. This design is the same as the square mesh panel used in the New South Wales ocean trawl fishery.

In the Queensland east coast trawl fishery, BRDs are mandatory for all otter trawl nets and all beam trawl nets. For the full specifications of BRDs, check the fisheries legislation.

Square mesh panel BRD specifications

Outer panel (A)
  Otter trawl nets Beam trawl nets
A. Maximum distance of rear edge from drawstrings 35 meshes 60 meshes
B. Minimum mesh size 45mm 40mm
C. Minimum length 700mm 600mm
D. Minimum width 550mm 450mm
Inner panel (B)
  Otter trawl nets Beam trawl nets
E. Maximum distance of rear edge from drawstrings 40 meshes 65 meshes
B. Minimum mesh size 55mm 50mm
C. Minimum length 300mm 300mm
D. Minimum width 250mm 200mm

Additional specifications

  • Nothing is allowed to cover any of the square meshes during trawling.

Image of a square mesh panel bycatch reduction device.

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