Question

Which of the following can be used to catch specific species of fish?

• A. Turtle exclusion devices
• B. Trawl efficiency devices
• C. FAD assisted purse seine
• D. Gill net

Hint:

Passive gears (Gill nets, Longlines, Traps) are generally much more selective than active gears (Trawls, Purse Seines). In fisheries management, gill nets are often preferred for sustainable harvesting.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for a fishing gear or method that is inherently "specific" or selective for a particular species or size of fish.
Detailed Explanation:

• Selectivity of Gill Nets: A gill net is a passive gear consisting of a vertical wall of netting. It is highly size-selective and species-selective because the mesh size is chosen specifically to entangle fish of a certain girth. Small fish swim through the mesh, and fish that are too large cannot poke their heads in. By choosing the right mesh size and setting the net at the right depth/location, fishers can target specific species (e.g., Hilsa gill nets, Pomfret gill nets).

• Evaluation of other options:
• TEDs: Are conservation devices to let turtles escape, not for catching specific fish.

• Trawls: Are generally "non-selective" or "active" gears that catch everything in their path.

• Purse Seine with FADs: FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) attract many different species, leading to high bycatch of non-target species.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The Gill net is the most specific gear listed.