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.
Also consider...
- Read the final report of BRD research in the Queensland east coast otter trawl fishery.
- Find out more about turtle excluder devices (TEDs).
- Last reviewed: 11 Feb 2014
- Last updated: 6 Dec 2022