Gillnet selectivity for freshwater fish species in three lentic systems of Greece

Gillnet size selectivity was studied for freshwater fish species, based on experimental fishing trials carried out with multimesh gillnets in lentic freshwater systems in Northern Greece. Selectivity estimates were based on a large range of mesh sizes, i.e. more than 10 different mesh sizes ranging from 8 to 90 mm bar length. Results showed that the model, in which both mean and standard deviation of the curve were defined as a linear function of the mesh size, revealed the best fit. For seven (i.e. Alburnus sp. Volvi, Aspius aspius, Carassius gibelio, Lepomis gibbosus, Pachychilon macedonicum, Squalius prespensis and Vimba melanops) of the 11 studied species and the hybrid (Alburnus belvica x Rutilus prespensis), gillnet selectivity parameters were estimated for the first time, contributing to the evaluation of gillnet fisheries' impacts on fish species populations and consequently to fisheries management and species conservation.