Addressing rigid gear rules under changing stock dynamics: A first empirical step towards flexible gear choice

Two trials were conducted with commercial vessels in the western Baltic sole (Solea solea) fishery under a regulatory flexibility program allowing deviations from the legally mandated 90 mm codend. In both trials, fishers aimed to increase retention of marketable sole by testing a 80 mm codend. The 80 mm codend resulted in a significant 15.8% increase (in numbers) of marketable sole in one trial and a similar tendency (non-significant) in the second trial. Trade-offs included a small, but significant increase in catch of small plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), as well as an increase in undersized dab (Limanda limanda) in one trial. Analysis of overall species composition found that both gear sizes retained high proportions of juvenile fish, largely undersized plaice and dab. While regulatory flexibility may improve catch efficiency, outcomes may vary, and a targeted and iterative approach, rather than a one-step solution may be necessary.