Calculating and measuring the sinking performance of small-scale purse seine gear in Java, Indonesia, to improve the gear

Abstract

We analyzed the small-scale purse-seine gear that is used along the North Coast of Java, Indonesia, using computer-aided tools to modify the gear. Data from the middle position of the leadline showed that the maximum depth reached by the net was 30 m. A similar result was also calculated. According to the calculated result, the mean sinking speed of the current gear at the middle position of the leadline was 0.13 m/s, and the maximum tension during pursing was 1,794 kgf. The best sinking performance was found in modified gear that used a 30.3 mm mesh knotless polyester net. The maximum depth reached by the net was 38 m, and mean sinking speed was 0.16 m/s at the middle position of the leadline. The maximum tension during pursing was 1,044 kgf. Independent sample t-test results show that the mean sinking depth and sinking speed in the simulated and measured results did not differ (P > 0.05). These results are expected to improve the efficiency and selectivity of small-scale purse seine gear.