Summary
The study compared the efficiency of five models of pots designed to catch Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) for use in Newfoundland and Labrador‘s cod fishery. Catch per unit effort (CPUE), total lengths of cod, and bycatch rates were compared across each pot type. All pot types were successful at catching cod, but two models (a modified Newfoundland-style pot, which used 58mm clear monofilament entrance funnels, a mesh separator panel, and two bait bags; and a four-entrance pot) had the highest CPUE. Modifying the Newfoundland pot increased its CPUE by 145% without a corresponding increase in bycatch.