Technological aspects of the monkfish (Lophius gastrophysus) gillnet fishery in Southeastern and Southern Brazil

Abstract

Fishing operations and technology of a chartered gillnet fleet were monitored by observers during 83 trips conducted in Southeastern and Southern Brazil between January 2001 and October 2002. All vessels were originally from Spain, built in steel and 26.7 to 39.6 meters long and had 72 to 362 GRT. The fishing gear was formed by sets of nearly 400 stringed nets, each one 45-50 m long. The net twine was polyamide monofilament and the mesh was 280 mm (stretched mesh size). Operating nets were 3.5 m deep and capture was carried out by entanglement. In general, vessels operated four to six sets of nets, which remained submersed for at least four days. Monkfish was processed in parts called "cola" "caras†and "carrilheiraâ€Â. These parts were fast frozen in -40°C and stored at -25°C to -30°C. Vessels operated with 16 to 19 crew members, 23% out of which were Brazilian, on average. Throughout the monkfish gillnet fishery period, several conflicts were reported involving fishing area disputes between foreign vessels and national trawlers. These conflicts developed into the termination of the chartered gillnet operations in southern Brazil, although a few national vessels adapted to gillnet fishing were sustaining the fishery.