Efficiency of deep sea traps in catching Pandalid shrimps along continental slopes and seamounts in Northeast and West Philippine Sea.

Abstract

Deep sea trap exploratory fishing was conducted in the continental slopes and seamounts in the waters of Bataan, Batangas, and approaches of Manila Bay, Zambales, Ilocos and Polillo Island. This study examines the efficiency of various designs of traps, fishing depths and fishing grounds in catching deep sea shrimps. Data covered sixteen (16) trap stations with depths ranging from 69 to 800 meters. An analysis was made on catch rates, species composition, catch variation by trap design, fishing depth and fishing ground. In terms of catch composition, deep sea shrimp comprises 54% of total catch having Heterocarpus dorsalis as dominant deep sea shrimp catch. Partially covered traps significantly have a higher shrimp catch compared to other traps and deep sea traps were most effective at fishing depths ranging from 301-600 meters.