The 1995 British Columbia Offshore Sustainable Flying Experiment

For the Expansion of the British Columbia Trawl using Pair Mid-Water Technology and Conservation Harvesting Selectivity Devices

374. 5 2 .B7 N55 c.2

Fisheries and Oceans et GRAPHY

4A2 The 1995 British Columbia Offshore Sustainable Flying Squid Experiment 8 199i

l ' l For the o Expansion of the British Columbia Trawl Fishery using Pair Mid-Water Trawling Technology and Conservation Harvesting Selectivity Devices

Project Report By Responsible Operations Program Planning and Coordination - The Department of and Oceans

November 1995

An Industry-Government Partnership with The Department of Fisheries and Oceans The Deep Sea Trawlers Association of B.C. The Canadian Groundfish Conservation and Research Society Report:

The 1995 British Columbia Offshore Sustainable Flying Squid Experiment

Published by: Andrew Duthie Chief, Responsible Fishing Operations Program Planning and Coordination Department of Fisheries and Oceans 200 Kent Street, 14 Floor Ottawa, Ontario K1A OE6

Telephone: (613) 990-0157 Fax: (613) 990-9691

November 1995 TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

PROJECT HISTORY

PROJECT DESCRIPTION Fishing Methods and Operations Fishing Strategy Underwater Camera Equipment Electronics Catch Processing

PROJECT RESULTS

CONCLUSIONS

RECOMMENDATIONS

Project Team: Planning Project Team: Fishing Operations EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

n an initiative proposed by the Deep Sea Trawlers Association of B.C. , the Canadian Groundfish Conservation and Research Society and the IDepartment of Fisheries and Oceans invested in an experimental gear studies project to investigate the feasibility of harvesting flying squid in a sustainable and responsible manner in the offshore waters off the British Columbia coast.

The 1995 experiment was undertaken to investigate the viability of pair mid- water harvesting technology, incorporating selective gear technology, with the objective of developing the capability for larger B.C. trawl vessels to diversify fishing operations. Pair mid-water trawling has not been used on larger B.C. trawlers on the west coast of Canada and was introduced through this project.

The experiment was managed by the Deep Sea Trawlers Association of B. C. in a cooperative partnership with Responsible Fishing Operations, Science, Resource Management and the Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. It was conducted from August 8 to August 30, 1995, a period of 22 days. Fishing gear and electronics installation, bollard pull tests and sea trials were undertaken over a six day period, with 16 days at sea (August 14 to 30 ). The scope of the search was spread over a large sea area; as far west as latitude 45 ° North, longitude 146° West. The vessels steamed approximately 4,800 kilometres, and fishing time was approximately 60 hours.

Two vessels, the lead vessel, the FV "Viking Storm", skipper, Kelly Andersen, and the FV "Eastward Ho", skipper, Jim Trimm, were selected for this project.

Pair trawling consultants, gear and electronics experts were contracted to supply technical assistance in the selection of the vessels and to transfer the technology on the commercial application of the pair trawl technique, including training of the skippers and crews.

DFO Science supplied historic information on flying squid harvesting relating to specific areas, by catch possibilities and temperatures. The Canadian Hydrographic Service supplied historic monthly and annual current temperature profiles for the NW Pacific.

1 Responsible Fishing Operations Towing on the surface, and at different levels in the water column, and introducing diel variations into the fishing pattern, were examples of the experiments made during the project. Surface temperatures were monitored and recorded, and fishing was conducted in different isotherms.

No substantial sightings of flying squid were seen. Albacore tuna was the predominant catch. A test gill net was deployed to verify the presence of squid and by-catch. To prevent unwanted catches of salmon, birds and marine mammals, a selectivity grid was installed in the trawl. There was no by-catch of mammals, seabirds or salmon.

Most of the flying squid and pomfret captured during the project were taken at night with the gill net. No other squid species were caught in the gill net. Albacore tuna were caught with the gear during daylight hours, and in the mid-water trawl during the night.

Search procedures need to be refined. Searching, finding and tracking the species is seen as a major impediment in harvesting flying squid.

A higher frequency echosounder ( 180 or 200 kHz) is recommended for this species. Flying squid do not have a swim bladder and produce weak acoustic target strength.

Larger trawls may have to be considered, or trawls with more lateral opening could be examined. It is recommended that any new design should be flume tank tested before full scale construction.

The project did result in providing valuable information and data on harvesting and search tactics for flying squid, and the possibility of applying the pair mid- water trawl technique to other species. The experiment proved that it is possible to harvest albacore tuna using the pair mid-water technique.

The harvesting of albacore tuna and pomfret presents commercial possibilities. This fishery may also require a trawl redesign to allow the vessel to harvest an alternative species.

There is an untapped source of with great potential and it was recommended that further work be undertaken.

2 Responsible Fishing Operations INTRODUCTION

n August 1995, the Canadian Groundfish Conservation and Research Society and Responsible Fishing Operations of the Department of Fisheries and IOceans invested in an experiment to investigate the viability of pair mid-water trawl technology in harvesting offshore flying squid.

This was an initiative proposed and managed by the Douglas March, Deep Sea Trawlers Association of B. C. in a cooperative partnership with Andrew Duthie, Responsible Fishing Operations, Gary Buechler, Resource Management, G.A. (Sandy) McFarlane, Pacific Biological Station, and David Pugh, the Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The project developed as a result of the need for B. C. trawl fishers to expand their fishing operations and was the culmination of a number of preliminary discussions beginning in 1994.

The project involved the introduction of a new fishing method -- pair mid-water trawling -- not used before on larger trawlers on the west coast of Canada. Pair mid-water trawls with selectivity devices installed, and a sophisticated package of electronics were supplied for the project period. This equipment was supplemented by contracting an electronic/gear technician and two experienced pair mid-water trawl specialists for the duration of the project. An observer from Archipelago Marine Research Ltd., of Victoria, B.C. was contracted to collect data on species and fishing operations.

Two vessels, the lead vessel, the FV "Viking Storm", skipper, by Kelly Andersen, and the FV "Eastward Ho", skipper, Jim Trimm, were selected for this project.

(See also: The Technical Report on the Midwater Pair Trawl Experiment to Harvest Offshore Flying Squid by David Tait, Scantec Ltd.)

3 Responsible Fishing Operations PROJECT OBJECTIVES

he purpose of the 1995 British Columbia Offshore Flying Squid Experiment was to develop the capability for larger B.C. trawl vessels to diversify and Texpand their fishing operations off the west coast of Canada. The project objectives were three-fold:

4 Responsible Fishing Operations PROJECT HISTORY

rior to the 1988 international ban on driftnet fisheries, over 300,000 tonnes of flying squid were caught annually and directed to markets in PAsia. As a result of the ban, the harvesting of flying squid in the North Pacific Ocean has virtually ceased to exist. The market still exists, however, with an increasingly high demand for this high-value species. There is a real opportunity in this area for Canada to explore the potential economic benefits of this fishery.

With this in mind, coupled with an increasing need for the B.C. trawl fleet to diversify and expand its operations, the Deep Sea Trawlers Association of B.C. pursued the concept of developing a commercial flying squid fishery with the intent of harvesting this species in a sustainable and responsible manner, utilizing gear technologies designed to decrease and eliminate by-catch.

In December 1994, the Deep Sea Trawlers Association of B.C. proposed an experimental gear studies project to demonstrate the viability of pair mid-water trawls incorporating selective gear technologies and conservation harvesting practices in the harvesting of offshore flying squid.

With regard to by-catch in a squid fishery and potential markets, records from the Japanese squid fisheries show a 30 per cent by-catch of pomfret, which is much in demand in southeast Asian countries.

The project planning team, which included all members of the partnership, held their first meeting in December 1994. Over the course of several meetings, the project team developed policies and guidelines for the experiment.

The primary barrier to a sustainable commercial flying squid fishery is the lack of selective technologies for a high quality, low by-catch squid fishery. Japan has committed a significant amount of effort and money into gear engineering to develop a high volume, low by-catch fishing gear for flying squid; results to date are minimal.

There are fishing gears which are unacceptable, such as drift nets (which are banned), and others, such as jigging, which have proven wasteful in flying squid

5 Responsible Fishing Operations fishery tests conducted in the Japanese fisheries (for every squid brought on deck, five were lost).

Pair mid-water trawling promises the potential for fishers on the west coast to pursue this lucrative fishery. Pair trawl activity in the Atlantic produces a high quality, low by-catch of pelagic species, and it was proposed that this gear be investigated on the Pacific coast.

The expertise in the operation of this method of fishing can be transferred to fishers on the west coast. It was proposed that selective technologies be investigated for incorporation into this gear. For example, excluder devices, grates, or colours on the gear which would warn mammals or birds of the presence of the gear.

It was recommended that under-water cameras be employed during the experimental gear studies in order to observe and record fish behaviour and the behaviour of the squid in the gear. In addition, net sensors should also be used.

Criteria for suitable vessels for the project were identified, as were processing methods.

6 Responsible Fishing Operations -

Species information of the dynamics of flying squid was gathered and reviewed. Catch information and species distribution per month from 1978 to 1991 is available from data collected during the Japanese squid fisheries and DFO surveys. Reports and charts of historical data on flying squid fisheries by Japan, Korea and Taiwan were reviewed.

This data indicated that flying squid are sensitive to ocean temperature. To determine areas of a fishery, maps could be produced using data on sea surface temperatures and squid distribution. Historical information showed that most squid are within 50 metres of the water's surface. In terms of distribution, at least one-half of the flying squid harvest taken in the last half of the 1980s was caught in areas more to the North American side of the North Pacific Ocean.

Discussions were also held with respect to the deck alterations necessary on the participating vessels in order to conduct pair mid-water trawling operations. The pair trawls, bridles and hardware were supplied for the experiment.

The need to identify potential by-catch, and fix allowable totals was also discussed. A cost recovery system was established and a review of the handling and processing technology for the target species and any marketable by-catch was conducted.

7 Responsible Fishing Operations PROJECT DESCRIPTION

he experiment was conducted over a 22-day period, from August 8 to August 30, 1995. Fishing gear and electronics installation, bollard pull Ttests and sea trials were undertaken over a six-day period, with 16 days at sea (August 14, to 30, 1995) The scope of the search was spread over a large sea area; as far west as latitude 45 ° North, longitude 146° West. The vessels steamed approximately 4,800 kilometres, and fishing time was approximately 60 hours.

The Deep Sea Trawlers Association of B.C. solicited its members for interested vessel owners, and from the replies a short list of vessels was drawn up. These vessels were in the size range 21 metres to 33 metres (70 to 110 feet), and engine horsepower from 700 to 1,000. Two vessels were selected; compatibility in hulls and machinery was an important factor and both vessels were required to perform a Not to Scale. bollard test to establish power parameters. 150° 140° 130° 120°

Vessels with skippers and crews who had previous pelagic trawling experience were given preference. A minimum crew requirement for the project period was the skipper plus five crew members.

8 Responsible Fishing Operations A requirement for at least one vessel to have freezing capabilities was met with the selection of the FV "Viking Storm", skipper Kelly Andersen. The vessel chosen to partner him was the FV "Eastward Ho", skipper Jim Trimm.

Pair trawling consultants, gear, and electronics experts helped in the development of a fishing operations plan. David Tait, of Scantec Ltd. and William Tait of Nordsea Limited were contracted to provide technical expertise and assistance in the gear, fishing operations and electronic technology used in the project. Two pair mid-water trawl skippers, Camilien Hache and George Collins, were also contracted to provide the expertise and training in the operations of pair mid-water trawling in the B.C. experiment.

9 Responsible Fishing Operations John Yearsley, the observer from Archipelago Marine Research Ltd. Collected biological data and provided results and a trip report to the Deep Sea Trawlers Association of B.C.

The timing of the project and the search areas were decided after studying project reports, DFO temperature information, and consultations with DFO biologists and fishers. It was well established that the species is temperature oriented, and modern satellite imagery equipment was used in an attempt to show surface temperatures in real time.

Fishing Method and Operations

The benefits of pair mid-water trawling: two vessels can tow a larger net fish will not disperse because of the large area of dead water between vessels when towing good for harvesting very fast swimming species, up to speeds of 5.2 knots (i.e. ). operational costs are lower (less fuel used).

The pair mid-water trawl fishing technique requires two vessels to tow one net between them.

Pair trawling requires more training than standard single vessel harvesting techniques. During the project the fishing activities were interlinked with the training of the skippers and crews. Only one skipper is in charge of the fishing operation and his net is used. The onus is on the other skipper to maintain the distance between the two vessels.

It was imperative that the two skippers were compatible. The following systems was devised: Skipper Kelly Andersen with the "Viking Storm" was nominated for the leading role. The task of hooking up towing warps, and shooting and hauling the gill net was given to Skipper Jim Trimm on the "Eastward Ho". Fishing operation decisions were reached after prior consultation with one another and the pair mid-water trawl advisors, David Tait and George Collins. The skipper of the vessel with the trawl in the water had absolute control of the operation.

10 Responsible Fishing Operations FLYING SQUID BY-CATCH DEVICE

OTHER SPECIES

SQUID

11 Responsible Fishing Operations To select the targeted species and all ow by-catch to escape, a selectivity grid was installed in an extension in the net. Conducting operations with respect to water temperatures and squid distribution meant that salmon could be avoided. The angle and behaviour of this device were monitored with a grid angle/flow sensor. Underwater cameras recorded gear and species behaviour.

Information from Japanese squid reports suggests that most of the fishing effort was on the surface. Pair trawling on the surface is conducted by letting out short wire, this means the vessels must keep close to one another, or risk damaging the trawl.

Pelagic surface fishing using a kite, enables the trawl to be towed further astern, and the distance between the vessels can be increased, creating more .of a silent area, and reducing the chance of fish diving when disturbed.

With the Gemini Nordsea trawl, a technique was developed where the pair trawl was towed on the surface, and as far astern of the vessels as possible. This enabled the vessels to increase their separation distance and create a larger area of quiet water between them. Having the gear as far from the propeller noise as possible would be advantageous. Using the kite technology produced these results. New ground was broken in pelagic fishing, when the gear was towed 1.2 kilometres (3/4 mile) astern on the surface, with the trawl retaining the correct geometry.

Advantages of surface fishing with a kite:

USING SHORT WIRE FOR SURFACE FISHING. NO KI T

SURFACE FISHING WITH A KITE

12 Responsible Fishing Operations The trawl acted extremely well on trials, staying on the surface (an important aspect of the experiment), with 225 fathoms of wire out. The trawl geometry was good, with the opening between 14 and 17 fathoms, depending on the vessel separation distance, towing speeds ranged from 5.5 to 6.5 knots.

The trawl on the "Eastward Ho" was tested during fishing trials, and initially gave a five-fathom opening at full speed. This opening improved at lower towing speeds. The trawl was never used again during the project.

The high towing speed was thought necessary because squid are extremely fast swimmers. They thrust themselves by the intake of water into their mantle opening and squirt it in high pressure jets through the funnel. Squid can regulate their swimming speed and direction, which is usually reversed or backwards.

Fishing Strategy

With no data being available on pair trawling for squid, data from Asian gil! net fishing was heavily relied on. Japanese scientists compiling literature on flying squid in the NW Pacific suggest that they are found mainly in temperature ranges between 15 and 20 degrees C. This data was used with information from DFO biologists and oceanographers on squid and sea surface temperature reports in an attempt to find the most potential grounds.

Searching took place on the 15-degree isotherm and near upwellings at seamounts where plankton may have been present. Both vessels searched a wide area. They made tows at night and in daylight, on the surface, and at depth, to evaluate marks seen on the echosounder. A gill net was .used to confirm the presence of flying squid. Tuna trolling equipment was also used. Tunas were caught while trolling at a speed of seven to eight knots. Visual observations were made on seabirds, mammals and on squid swimming on the surface.

Underwater Camera

The camera recorded the positions of the grid in the extension looking both forward and aft. At one time, a tuna was seen swimming forward of the grid. The

13 Responsible Fishing Operations fish easily swam forward looking for an escape route and had no trouble exceeding the towing speed. This did not seem like a short burst, but looked like a normal cruising speed for the fish.

On another tow, while targeting a strip of light marks on the echosounder, many marine organisms were observed on the camera. No fish were caught and it must be presumed that this was what was seen on the echosounder.

Other visual observations included skilfish captured in the top few meshes of the gill net, with squid and other species caught randomly.

Some tuna caught with the trolling gear had several different species of small squid in their stomachs, these squid were 7.62cm long (3 inches), and were not the type were targeted.

Equipment

The test gill net had a mesh size of 11.43cm (4.5 inches), the dimension were 1.61 kilometres (one mile) long and 90 meshes deep. The trolling lines were monofilament, with tuna hooks and feather lures.

The pair mid-water trawl on the "Eastward Ho" was supplied by S and S Fishing Company Ltd. of Steveston, B.C. The trawl used on the "Eastward Ho" was a Lummi Trawl rigged by Cantrawl Pacific Fishing Services Ltd. with a Morgere . kite and a grid.

The pair mid-water trawl on the "Viking Storm" was supplied by Gemini Fisheries Limited of Caraquat, New Brunswick. This trawl has a proven track record in the mackerel and fisheries. The trawl was supplied with a Nordsea Flex Kite and a Nordsea selectivity grid.

Kite principles are well known. As the trawl moves through the water, the panels are held in position forward and above the headrope by the kite bridles and floats. The flow of water against the inclined panels forces the kite and headrope upward in much the same way as the performance of an aircraft wing on take off.

14 Responsible Fishing Operations PAIR MID-WATER TRAWL

TO

15 Responsible Fishing Operations When setting a trawl with a kite it is essential that the kite is not fouled. This poses no problems with small mesh, but requires learning the proper techniques with large mesh nets. Modern kites constructed from synthetic materials are easily wound onto the netdrum without harm. They do not interfere with the use of either wireless or third wire net sounders.

In trawling situations where frequent stops and starts are common, a kite is better used as a supplement to trawl floats rather than a replacement. In most trawling applications, especially on the surface, and in high speed trawling or trawling with large mesh, kites offer outstanding performance and simplicity.

To eliminate the incidental by-catch of mammals, seabirds, sharks, slamon and other marine organisms, a selector grid was installed in the trawl extension.

Selectivity Grid

16 Responsible Fishing Operations Electronics

In pelagic fishing it is imperative that there is a continuous display of the gear geometry and positioning. When a selectivity grid is being used, it is necessary to monitor grid angle and water flow. Scanmar Gear Monitoring system sensors used in the experiment also gave trawl spread, depth, temperature, and catch data. This information was displayed in a graphic form on a bridge monitor.

The main system was a cableless Scanmar RX 400. It projected a graphical display of the trawl onto a computer monitor. Various sensors employed on the gear were:

Height Sensor: Displayed the trawl vertical opening and fish entering the trawl. It was also capable of indicating the clearance of the footrope from the sea bottom. Depth Sensor: Displayed the depth of the trawl from the surface. Grid Sensor: Displayed the grid angle and water flow past the grid. Catch Sensor: Monitored the codend filling and activated at a required amount. Distance Sensor: Gave the horizontal spread of the trawl. Temperature Sensor: Displayed the water temperature in the trawl.

Signals were received using a hydrophone installed in a towed paravane, this unit was deployed from a boom on the port side. One spare towed hydrophone was carried, together with spare sensors and battery chargers.

A Benthos colour camera was used to monitor the grid and fish behaviour in the vicinity of the device. This equipment was supplied with lights and batteries which were necessary for night viewing and observations in deep water.

A Metmap satellite weather system supplied data on weather and surface temperatures. This system was backed up by a temperature sensor on the vessel interfaced to the ship's echosounder. A temperature sensor was also employed on the trawl.

(See also: Report on the Electronic Equipment Used in the Midwater Pair Trawl Experiment to Harvest Offshore Flying Squid by William Tait, Nordsea Limited).

17 Responsible Fishing Operations GRID CONFIGURATION ILLUSTRATING THE SITING OF THE UNDERWATER CAMERA AND GRID ANGLE SENSOR

Bycatch Release

CAMERA siting

18 Responsible Fishing Operations Catch Processing

Pomfret, blue shark, skilfish and albacore tuna were frozen whole. Squid was hand cleaned before freezing, this technique was slow, no machinery was onboard for cleaning and preparing. A skinning machine was available but was not used.

Soon after capture, the flying squid were slit along the silvery stripe on the ventral midline from the mantle opening to the fin insertion, special knives were used for this purpose. The head with the tentacle attached and viscera were removed intact from the mantle. The fins were then removed from the mantle and placed in separate piles.

After receiving a thorough seawater rinse, the mantles, fins, and heads with tentacles attached were packed in separate stainless steel trays. When fully packed, each tray weighed an average of 10 kilos. The dimensions of each tray were 50cm x 31 cm x Bern.

The trays were inserted in the freezer for approximately six hours and were then removed and immersed in seawater to release the product from the tray. Squid were again immersed in seawater to release the product from the tray. Squid were again immersed in seawater to glaze and were then stowed in the freezing holding area. Tuna were bled and washed and frozen singly. Skilfish and Pomfret were just washed and stowed in trays in the freezer. All species were glazed by immersing in seawater.

19 Responsible Fishing Operations PROJECT RESULTS

o substantial sightings of flying squid were seen. During one tow, one of the vessels counted twenty-five individual squid on the surface, and the Nother saw twenty. This was over a towing period of several hours and over a distance or more than 32 kilometres.

Some Albacore tuna were caught on several tows, these were only caught at night. Several tries in the daylight produced none, although some were caught on the trolling lines while towing the trawl. Most of the flying squid and pomfret captured during the project were taken at night with the gill net. No other squid species were caught in the gill net.

The project results confirmed previous Japanese reports on the use of sonar to detect squid. The "Eastward Ho" had his sonar running almost continuously but was unable to detect squid. When traces were seen on the echosounder, they were checked by towing through them, but generally, they turned out to be feeding and marine organisms.

With both vessels running echosounders continuously, it was not possible to verify any echo traces as being squid. If squid were to approach the surface at night, then it is possible that the transducers on a vessel may be sited too low to detect them.

There was no by-catch of mammals, seabirds or salmon. Albacore tuna was the predominant catch.

20 Responsible Fishing Operations CONCLUSIONS

he experiment proved that it is possible to harvest albacore tuna using the pair mid-water technique. Big Eye and Yellowfin tuna are being Tsuccessfully harvested on the east coast of the U.S. using identical trawl design and kite technology as that used in the B.C. experiment.

The project did result in providing valuable information and data on harvesting and search tactics for flying squid, and the possibility of applying the pair mid- water trawl technique to other species.

One of the main findings resulting from the experiment indicates that search procedures should be refined. Lack of this experience continually thwarted the skippers' efforts to detect squid, either visually or electronically, search procedures were virtually shut down in rough weather. Reports have indicated that when jigging, and single pelagic trawling, certain lunar periods have affected catch rates and reduced squid catches at and around a full moon, and also during inclement weather. More intelligence is required on what to search for, i.e. birds, mammals, echosounder traces, etc. With so little searching power, radio reports on squid sightings from other vessels cannot be depended on. Because of the migrating patterns of flying squid, finding them with two vessels is difficult. Since the species are transient and do not occur on specific locations annually, having more vessels is advantageous when searching. Searching, finding and tracking the species is seen as a major impediment in harvesting flying squid.

Long steaming times, and with the possibility of protracted searching periods, more time will have to be allocated to any future project. This would apply to any tuna activities that may be contemplated.

The size and weight of the flying squid captured in the gill net would exclude the possibility of jigging this species as a means of harvesting.

The information received from the Scanmar gear monitoring system allowed a perfect illustration of the gear. Gear adjustments were clearly visible and the behaviour of the gear reaction to wire adjustments was closely observed. The grid angle sensor confirmed the grid set at the desired angle.

21 Responsible Fishing Operations A Benthos colour camera was used to monitor the grid and fish behaviour in the vicinity of the device. Lights allowed for night viewing and observations in deep water.

The Metmap Satellite temperature and weather system was restricted because of nearly continuous cloud cover. This system was backed up by a temperature sensor on the vessel interfaced to the ships echosounder, a temperature sensor was also employed on the trawl.

22 Responsible Fishing Operations RECOMMENDATIONS

who have traditionally operated with groundfish gear have to readjust their habits of trying to detect hard and soft ground on the Sechosounder, and towing along a steep edge. In a fishery where temperature is a predominant feature, skippers will now have to detect variable isotherms and tow along the edge of them.

During the project both vessels had their deck lights on when towing and had their searchlights pointed inwards. Surface illumination for jigging operations is recommended in order that the jigging lines are active mainly within the boundary zone between the shadow of the vessel and the lighted area. It is in this boundary zone that squid gather. With benefit of hindsight, the searchlights may have induced squid to enter the dark zone at the vessels. This would let them escape under the trawl wires where they would have no contact with the trawl.

A higher frequency echosounder (180 or 200 kHz) is recommended for this species. Flying squid do not have a swim bladder and produce weak acoustic target strength.

Japanese repo.rts also suggest that sound may play a part in squid harvesting. If correct frequencies can be established, this may also be possible.

Temperature is critical in harvesting flying squid. Temperature searches were hindered by the fact that the "Viking Storm" was the only vessel rigged with a temperature meter. Both vessels must have the appropriate temperature meter.

Recommend that temperature charts be received by fax.

Rigging of lights on the headline/footrope of the trawl may induce capture of squid. Fishing with short wire would enable the use of a direct link from the vessel.

23 Responsible Fishing Operations Larger trawls may have to be considered, or trawls with more lateral opening could be examined. It may not be necessary to have a large vertical opening. It is recommended that any new design should be flume tank tested before full scale construction.

The harvesting of albacore tuna and po.mfret presents commercial possibilities. This fishery may also require a trawl redesign to allow the vessel to harvest an alternative species.

In any future work, at least one other vessel should be added for search duties only. This vessel should carry a test gill net and one experienced Asian gill net skipper who should be familiar with squid detection procedures.

There is an untapped source of fish with great potential and it was recommended that further work be undertaken.

24 Responsible Fishing Operations PROJECT TEAM: PLANNING

Industry Conservation Harvesting Technology Doug March, Chairman Andrew Duthie Managing Director Chief, Fisheries Technology Deep Sea Trawlers Association Fisheries Operations of B.C. Department of Fisheries and Oceans Unit 2, 11771 Horseshoe Way 200 Kent Street - 14th Floor Richmond, B.C. Ottawa, Ontario V7A4V4 K1A 0E6

Geomatics/Oceanography Resource Management David Pugh Bruce Turris/Gary Buechler Chief, Organizational/lndust. Dev.Manager, Groundfish Management Unit Canadian Hydrographic Service Department of Fisheries and Oceans 615 Booth Street 555 West Hastings Street Ottawa, Ontario Vancouver, B.C. K1 A 0E6 V6B 5G3

Biological Science G.A. (Sandy) McFarlane Head, Marine Fish Population Dynamics Section Pacific Biological Station Hammond Bay Road Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5K6

PROJECT TEAM: FISHING OPERATIONS

Skipper Kelly Andersen, FV "Viking Storm" and crew Skipper Jim Trimm, FV "Eastward Ho" and crew Captain David Tait, Scantec Ltd. William Tait, Nordsea Limited Camilien Hache, pair mid-water trawl skipper George Collins, pair mid-water trawl skipper John Yearsley, observer, Archipelago Marine Research Ltd.

25 Responsible Fishing Operations