Changes of the major technical parameters of stow nets in the coast of northern South China Sea

In this paper, the main technical parameters of stow nets were analyzed based on the investigation of fishing gears and methods along the coast of the northern South China Sea during 2000~2005 and 1983~1985, respectively. Comparing with the data of stow nets investigated during 1983~1985, the mouth line length (C), mouth mesh size and mesh size of extension piece of the nets during 2000~2005 increased slightly, but stretched netting length (L), cod-end length (L_c) and cod-end mesh size decreased slightly. The L_b/L_c (L_b: body length) and the W_b/W_s (W_b: mouth width, W_s: extension piece width) increased averagely from 5.8 : 1 to 13.8 : 1 and from 19.8 : 1 to 26.2 : 1, respectively. With exhaustion of fishery resources in the coast of northern South China Sea, the main technical parameters of stow nets have changed for the net configuration, but the changes is not positive and revolutionary. To exploit rationally the coast fishery resources and to promote sustainable fishery development, based on behaviors and characteristics of fishery resources in the coast of northern South China Sea, the more advanced selective fishing techniques or devices for stow nets should be developed to reduce the damages to fries and young fishes and shrimps.