Shark Catfish (Helicophagus waandersii Bleeker, 1858) Gillnetting in the Mun River, Thailand

Abstract

Three mesh sizes, 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5 cm, for shark catfish gillnetting in the Mun River, Thailand were compared to length at first maturity and length at 50% maturity. In case of single mesh consideration, all meshes caught the fish at the smaller size than maturity stage. In multi-meshes management, it was found that the minimum recommended mesh size should be over 5.5 cm. Shark catfish will have an opportunity to spawn at least once before being exploited. During the closed season, fishermen can be accepted to use other types of fishing gear or the use of > 5.5 cm gillnet in the open water zone apart from the spawning and nursing ground along the Mun River which covered from Kang Tana rapid through Sawang Veerawong sub-District (flood plain area).