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Food supply

Setnet Fishery Research Reveals Critical Factors Affecting Catch Rates

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A recent study by researchers at Nha Trang University has shed light on the setnet fishery, a crucial component of Vietnam's fishing industry. The study, published in the journal Fishes, found that the catch rate of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (*Scomberomorus commerson*) in the setnet fishery is significantly affected by sea surface temperature (SST) and temporal variables. The research suggests that the optimal fishing process for the setnet fishery should be adjusted according to the shifting of marine heatwaves.

Key Takeaways:

  • The setnet fishery has been used throughout coastal communities of Vietnam for many decades and significantly contributes to the total landing volumes and socioeconomic development, food security, livelihoods, and social well-being.
  • The catch efficiency of the setnet fishery depends on various conditions such as fish density, season, oceanography, environment, and others.
  • The study examined the effect of temporal and environmental conditions on the catch rates of the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel setnet fishery using long-term data from 2005 to 2016.
  • The catch of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel decreased over the course of the study, peaking in April and May, and more fish were caught during periods of low nightlight intensity than during high illuminated periods.
  • The generalized additive model (GAM) showed that catch rates were significantly affected by SST, which peaked at 27 °C, and then significantly decreased.
  • The study contributes to the understanding of critical factors affecting the catch rates of valuable species, which helps to determine the optimal fishing process of the setnet fishery within the shifting of marine heatwaves.
  • Nghiep Ke Vu, Institute of Marine Science and Fishing Technology, Nha Trang University, and Khanh Quoc Nguyen, additional authors of this research, emphasize the importance of understanding these critical factors for sustainable fishing practices.

Statistics:

  • The study used long-term data from 2005 to 2016, covering a period of 12 years.
  • The catch of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel peaked in April and May.
  • The generalized additive model (GAM) was used to analyze the effect of temporal and environmental conditions on catch rates.
  • The study showed that catch rates were significantly affected by sea surface temperature (SST), peaking at 27 °C, and then significantly decreased.

Sources:

  • Vu, N. K. (2025). The Effect of Temporal and Environmental Conditions on Catch Rates of the Narrow-Barred Spanish Mackerel Setnet Fishery in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Fishes, 10(6), 257. (Fishes - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/fishes).
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Nha Trang University Report on Findings in Fish Research (The Effect of Temporal and Environmental Conditions on Catch Rates of the Narrow-Barred Spanish Mackerel Setnet Fishery in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam). Life Science Weekly. July 8, 2025; p 5721.

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