The deployment of square mesh cod-ends in shrimp trawling operations considerably reduces bycatch and improves sustainability of fishing operations – according to studies conducted by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in association with the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) Cochin, Fisheries Department, Ramanathapuram, and the Fishermen Associations in Mandapam, Rameshwaram and Kottaipattinam fishing harbours.
A release from MSSRF on Saturday said stakeholder consultation on the ‘Use of Square Mesh Cod-end in Shrimp Trawling’ was organised by MSSRF on Friday at Thangachimadam Village Resource Centre, here to encourage promotion of square mesh cod-end in shrimp trawling so as to reduce bycatches.
Dr. G. N. Hariharan, Executive Director, MSSRF and chief guest of the programme released the handbook on ‘Voluntary Code of Practice (CoP) on Flower Shrimp Management in Palk Bay region.