Role of gillnet in the exploitation of lesser sardines

The lesser sardines are caught in several types of gears.However, the gillnets have proved to be the most effective gear for catching these fishes. In Andhra Pradesh gillnets account for about 75% of the lesser sardine catch. In Visakhapatnam, however , about 95% of the annual lesser sardine catch is contributed by this gear. Here ,gillnets with mess sizes 15mm,18mm,20mm,23mm,25mm,28mm,30mm,33mm and 38mm are operated.