Summary
Trials were conducted using excluder grids on trawls targeting Norway lobster (Nephrops novegicus) and greater forkbeard (Phycis blennoides) in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The excluder grids were tested for their ability to reduce the incidental capture of blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus). In order to estimate the number of escaped fish, covers were placed over the escape outlet before the grid and over the codend. The 90 mm excluder grid did not result in reduced catches of blacknouth catshark. The grid did result in decreased catches of greater forkbeard and Norway lobster, to a smaller degree. Explorative simulations suggest a smaller grid spacing of 70 mm may prove more effective at reducing blackmouth catsharks catches.