Fostering the Development of Automatic Squid Jigging in Southern New England
Captured Longfin Inshore Squid (Doryteuthus pealeii). Credit: Braun Seafood
general description:
After piloting automatic squid jigging gear aboard commercial squid trawling vessels, our results indicated that further testing was needed to refine the application of this technology and improve the fishing technique to increase squid catch rates. As a result, and in response to local and regional interest in trialing these machines, we launched a free lending program for our 4 squid jigging machines. This program enabled local fishermen to test the machines independently during their own fishing trips, while CFRF staff assisted with initial setup and operational support. The program aimed to promote sustainable harvesting techniques that could have economic, social, and ecosystem benefits.
Project objectives:
Create a free gear lending program.
Collect information on squid jig machine methodology, environmental conditions, and associated catch.
CFRF staff will record information on initial settings and captains will be given a form that guides them to record any changes in machine settings and configurations as well as environmental factors and catch information.
Communicate findings to the fishing and management communities.
Two of the Belitronic machines being lent for this project.
project team:
Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation
Matt Rodriguez - Project Lead
Noelle Olsen - Project Lead
Dr. N. David Bethoney - CFRF Executive Director
Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island
Fred Mattera
Project participants:
2024
Brady Lybarger, Captain, F/V Salted
Aaron Williams, Captain, F/V Tradition
2025
Ken Baughman, Captain, F/V Chaser
John Lee, Captain, F/V Jennifer Lee
Paulo Cristelo, Captain, F/V Princess Scarlett
Results
Five captains participated in this project over two years of data collection. Captains were selected, equipped, given a briefing on the machines, and encouraged to modify the gear to improve performance. Results showed that Belitronic jigging machines are not an effective option for commercial squid fishing due to performance limitations. However, participating captains concluded the machines are well suited for targeting mackerel.
