Geometry of the Model Purse Seine in Relation to Enclosed Volume during Hauling Operation

Model experiments for a purse seine were carried out in order to measure the geometry of net shape and to estimate an enclosed volume by using 1177 scale model purse seine of 12.62m float line from an offshore mackerel purse seine. A model purse seine was set from a net box of shooting equipments and then pursing and hauling net by hauling equipment. The 3- D geometry shape of the purse seine net during hauling operation was measured by video image processing and tension of purse line by load cell. The 3-D geometry of the model purse seine during hauling operation could be represented with variables such as a ratio of shooting diameter or maximum net depth and a ratio of hauling operation time. Horizontal shapes of float line and lead line were varied from a circle after shooting to an ellipse with pursing and hauling. Projected lateral shape of purse line was observed and formulated as a shape of a water drop. The cross sectional shapes of curved net from two directions were varied such as sine function or polynomial curves. Therefore, enclosed volume of a purse seine in relation to fish school behaviour can be approximated using two main variables from relevant equations.