Gillnet Selectivity in Fisheries Management

Gillnets remain one of the most versatile and widely deployed static gears in both marine and freshwater fisheries. Their selectivity—defined as the size and species composition of fish retained relative to those encountered—shapes stock assessments, influences catch–at-age estimates and underpins management decisions worldwide. Size selectivity arises primarily from mesh dimensions, netting twine properties and fish morphology, but is also affected by environmental factors such as water clarity and current. Uncorrected selectivity biases can lead to misestimation of growth parameters, mortality rates and population abundance, with consequences for quota setting and conservation measures. Recent advances have focused on refining indirect estimation methods, exploring alternative fabrics and net configurations to optimise retention of target species while reducing bycatch of juveniles and non-targets. Practical applications include adaptive mesh-size regulations, support-line nets that alter hanging ratio and colour modifications to minimise unintended catches. A holistic understanding of gillnet selectivity is essential to balance sustainable yields, ecosystem health and the economic viability of fisheries across diverse geographic regions.

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Gillnet Selectivity in Fisheries Management publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in gillnet selectivity in fisheries management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Selectivity: The probability that fish of a particular size or species are retained by a net relative to those encountered.

Mesh selectivity: The effect of mesh size and shape on the size distribution of fish that are able to escape or become entangled.

Retention probability: The likelihood that a fish contacting the net will be held by the mesh rather than swimming free.

Bycatch: Incidental capture of non-target species or undersized individuals in fishing gear.

References

1. Evaluation of the influence of correcting for gillnet selectivity on the estimation of population parameters. PLOS ONE (2023).
2. Investigating the Mesh Size Selectivity of Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) Gillnets for Fisheries Resource Management in the East Sea. Fishes (2023).
3. The application of tie-down gillnet to improve the capture of blackfin flounder (Glyptocephalus stelleri) in a sustainable way. Frontiers in Marine Science (2023).