Fluttering Characteristics of the Ropes and Nets as an Active Stimulating Device inside the Cod End of a Trawl Net

An active stimulating device (ASD) consisting of a net panel or ropes fluttering in the turbulence inside the cod end was effective in driving fish near the cod end to reduce juvenile by-catch. The fluttering characteristics of the rope and net panel were examined by video observations and analyzed for fluttering amplitude and period in a water channel and in field experiments with a bottom trawl. The amplitude ratio of the fluttering ropes or nets in the tank test increased with the fluttering index as the diameter of the twine, mesh size, flexibility, and flow velocity changed, whereas the period decreased with the above factors. In bottom trawl experiments, the range of mean depth difference in the fluttering net panel was 12-17% of the length of the fluttering net, and the period of depth difference or three-dimensional (3D) tilt was revealed, with shorter ones ranging from 2 to 6 s. The amplitude as depth difference and period from field measurements were similar to those of nets in tank experiments and also to the period of 3D flow velocity inside the cod end. These results could be used to design an ASD that could be used for to the cod end of actual towed fishing gear to reduce juvenile by-catch.