Selectivity of escape-hole size in tube traps for white-spotted conger Conger myriaster

Comparative fishing experiments were carried out in 2010 using tube traps with five hole diameters (8, 15, 18, 20 and 22 mm) to establish the size selectivity of escape holes for white-spotted conger. Selectivity and split parameters of the SELECT model were calculated using the estimated-split and equal-spilt model. From likelihood ratio tests and AIC (Akaike’s Information Criterion) values, the estimated-split model was selected as the best-fit model. Size selectivity of escape holes in the tube traps was expressed as a logistic curve, similar to mesh selectivity. The 50% selection length of white-spotted conger in the estimated-split model was 28.26, 33.35, 39.31 and 47.30 cm for escape-hole diameters of 15, 18, 20 and 22 mm, respectively. The optimum escape-hole size is discussed with respect to management of the white-spotted conger fishery. The results indicate that tube traps with escape holes of 18 mm in diameter would benefit this fishery.