Comparative catchability characteristics of nylon monofilament and multifilament gillnets, case study at Kiyindi fishing ground, Buikwe district, Uganda

Abstract

The major purpose of this research was to examine the comparative catchability characteristics of nylon monofilament and multifilament gillnets at Kiyindi fishing ground, Buikwe District, Uganda, with the view of furthering understanding of the use of these gears and recommend appropriate fisheries management measures on their usage. The more legally acceptable gear for use. The study was guided by the examination of the design and construction of nylon monofilament and multifilament gillnets, experimental fishing to determine the catchability characteristics of nylon monofilament and multifilament gillnets, and assessing the efficiency and suitability of nylon monofilament and multifilament gillnets used at Kiyindi fishing ground, Uganda. The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative research design while methods of data collection included questionnaire administration, experiment, observations, and interviews. The sample population of 67 was drawn from fishermen (25), local communities (17), vendors (20), and key informants (5)from the Directorate of Fisheries Resources, Department of Fisheries Resources Management & Development (DFRMD), and Buikwe District Local Government. Findings from questionnares and interviews revealed that nylon monofilament gillnets caught fish of all types (species) and size indiscriminately while the multifilament gillnets, on the other hand, were more selective and caught specific fish sizes and fish types. Findings from experimental fishing revealed that monofilament nets caught more fish at a catch rate of 5.2 kg of fish per net because of its characteristics than multifilament gillnets which caught 2.3 kg of fish per net. The findings demonstrated that monofilament gillnets had higher catchability rate of 69% but were exploitative and indiscriminate compared to multifilament gillnet which was at the rate of 31% and were selective of the types and sizes of fish caught. It was, therefore, concluded thatthe nylon monofilament gillnets were highly destructive since they caught indiscriminately irrespective of species and their sizes whereas multifilament gillnets were more selective and caught the desired target species of fish and sizes. Based on the catchability characteristics of the two fishing gears, the already legal ban on the use of nylon monofilament gillnets should be enforced strongly on all the waters of Lake Victoria in order to avoid the destruction of the fish stocks and promote sustainability of the fisheries resources for the benefit of resource users, partner states and internal trade and tourism.