2. STATUS OF THE FISHERY INDUSTRY

Fishing is now the country's third largest foreign exchange earner, after sugar and citrus, and, in terms of percentage increase in production (Table 1) over the past year, now outstrips all other industrial segments.

TABLE 1. ANNUAL EXPORT OF FISH PRODUCTS 1965 TO 1967
(WEIGHT IN POUNDS; KILOGRAMS IN PARENTHESES)

Prior to 1967, lobster was the major fishery product. This high value item is now being challenged by an equally valuable commercial crustacean - shrimp. With a decrease in lobster production the local industry began diversification and expansion into other fishery products. This expansion has resulted in the creation of an industry which is now a major factor in the economy of the country.

Lobster production

The decline in lobster (Panulirus argus) production over the past two years may be the result of either, or both, of the following causes:

1. A reduction in fishing effort (i.e. fewer fishermen and amount of gear engaged in the fishery).

2. A decline in lobster population abundance which will be reflected in the catch per unit effort (c.u.e.).

Fishing effort.

The number of fishermen involved in the lobster fishery is best depicted by the membership in each of the fishermen's cooperatives. There are some fishermen who do not belong to a cooperative and who sell their catch to cooperative members, but these are few since only members are awarded additional monetary rebates after the lobsters are exported and sold. Table 2 shows the number of operating producers in each cooperative. It is evident that the number of member fishermen has not varied appreciably over the past three years.

TABLE 2. NUMBER OF OPERATING MEMBERS IN EACH FISHERMEN'S COOPERATIVE FROM 1965 TO 1967

There was an increase in the number of fishermen in 1966 following the peak lobster catch of 1965. However, these additional producers did not increase the total catch of lobster tails taken in 1966.

Approximately two thirds of the fishermen are involved in taking lobsters by skindiving and each skindiver's catch would, in essence, represent one unit of gear. For trap fishermen there has been no record kept of the total number of traps, or gear employed each year. However, from a cursory survey it was found that over the past three years the number of traps fished per season is relatively constant decreasing slightly in 1967.

When surveying the total number of fishermen and gear employed there does not appear to be a reduction in fishing effort which would account for the 25 percent decrease in lobster production since 1965. (The decline in total catch per fisherman is economically compensated for by better marketing procedures and a rise in market price for lobster tails.) It cannot be overlooked, however, that until better statistics are obtained regarding the amount of time spent by each fisherman on catching lobsters, no accurate estimate of relative fishing effort can be made. With the recent success in conch and scale fish production certainly some of the fishermen are now not fishing lobster as intensively as in the past since they are engaged part time on other types of fisheries.

Catch per unit of effort.

When viewed over a period of time, this normally reflects the relative abundance of the population from season to season. From Table 3 it can be seen that the c.u.e. in pounds of tails per trap in the area north of English Cay (Zone 1) has declined over the past two years along with the total catch.

TABLE 3. CATCH PER UNIT EFFORT BY 11 TRAP FISHERMEN FROM 15 JULY 1965 TO 14 NOVEMBER 1967 - ZONE I (AREA NORTH OF ENGLISH CAY)

Trap fishing (c.u.e.) is calculated by dividing the number of pounds of tails of lobster caught by the number of traps hauled in one week. An average of these figures is then taken for a month.

The fishermen represented by their initials in Table 3 were selected by Mr. Allsopp on the basis of their reliability in reporting their catches during the 1965/66 lobster fishing season. The same individuals were chosen in 1966 and 1967 and a comparison made only for the months through which there was complete data in 1967.

Zone I is intensively fished by traps and consistently produces about 50 percent of the total year's lobster export. By contrast, the area south of Tobacco Reef - Zone IV is lightly fished and produces about 10 percent of the total export.

Zone IV, the method of capture is by skindiving, and the c.u.e. calculated (Table 4) represents the pounds of lobster tails taken by one fishermen in one hour's diving. The c.u.e. is computed by calculating the total hours fished in one week and dividing this figure into the total pounds of lobster tails taken during the week. The weekly figures are then averaged over a month's period.

TABLE 4. CATCH PER UNIT EFFORT BY 4 SELECTED SKINDIVERS FROM 15 JULY TO 15 NOVEMBER FROM 1965 TO 1967 ZONE IV (AREA SOUTH OF TOBACCO REEF)

The c.u.e. for Zone IV does not reflect the decrease shown in Zone I. Actually, it would be difficult to make a direct comparison between the c.u.e. of these zones because the fishing methods are quite different as are the fishing grounds. In the trap fishing areas there are wide expanses of sea grass (Thalassia), whereas in the skindiving areas the fishing is centered on rocky or reef areas. Also weather conditions cause a more appreciable difference in the efficiency of skindiving operations than with trap fishing.

Catch per unit effort data from Zone II the area encompassing English Cay to Tobacco Reef and Turneff Island - Zone II, and including Glover's and Lighthouse Cays Zone III, are insufficient and not continuous, but, from what data are available the skindiving c.u.e. appears to be similar from year to year as noted in Zone IV. (Trap fishing is very limited outside of Zone I.) The constant c.u.e. in skindiving areas most likely reflects a general lower fishing pressure than takes place in Zone I.

Total catch.

Another possible indication that lobster production is declining as a result of reduced abundance is seen from the percentage of the quota of lobster tails exported by the end of each year. With the domestic market for lobster being negligible the export figures well represent the total catch. In Table 5 is shown the differences in total catch between years from the amount exported as of 31 December.

TABLE 5. LOBSTER QUOTAS AND EXPORTS FROM 15 JULY TO 31 DECEMBER FOR THE YEARS 1965 TO 1967

In 1965 the quota was 86 percent filled by the end of the year but, in 1967, only 53 percent was achieved. A portion of this decline, at least within the past year, could probably be attributed to the fishermen diversifying their efforts towards conch and scale fish production.

Average size of catch.

It is surprising to note that in face of decreasing catch per unit effort, at least in Zone I, the average size of the lobsters caught has been increasing (Table 6).

TABLE 6. AVERAGE WEIGHT AND PERCENTAGE OF LOBSTER TAILS EXPORTED BY COOPERATIVES FROM 1965 TO 1967

There has not been any obvious change in fishing methods, areas fished, or processing techniques over the past two years which would influence a change in the size of lobster caught or exported.

One possible cause for the increase in size of lobsters taken, is the presence of a particularly strong year class which entered the fishery in 1966, and has carried it through the past two years. If a strong year class were the cause, it would be expected that the percentage of rejects or undersize lobsters taken by the trap fishermen would decrease. The records, however, do not indicate any clear-cut difference in percentage rejects between years, but remain variable. If a strong year class is responsible there will eventually be a decrease in the average size caught, and a future simultaneous reduction in the c.u.e. may be expected.

On the basis of the information which is now available there does not appear to be an immediate need for more stringent regulations on the lobster fishery. The decline in lobster production and c.u.e. is an expected reaction of a population which has been heavily exploited. Also, if the conch and scale-fish markets hold firm this may relieve some fishing pressure from the lobster population.

It is still too early to make an assessment of the lobster stock, and it cannot be too firmly stressed that more complete statistics on the catch and the fishermen's activities must be acquired.

Lobster statistical forms

The statistical forms devised in 1965 (FAO/TA, MS) for recording the individual lobster fishermen's catch were reviewed on the basis of their effectiveness of obtaining data required, and possible simplification by elimination of sections which could be obtained through other sources. Two new forms - one for trap-drum fishing and the other for skindiving (Tables 7 and 8) - now supersede the former ones, and are incorporated into log books given to each fisherman.

Supplementing the revised forms a fishery newsletter, brochures and radio broadcasts were introduced discussing the importance of the statistics provided by the fishermen, and how they relate to improvement of the fishing industry and management of the stocks.

Molting and spawning

The present closed season for lobsters was initiated in 1948 and is based mainly on the time at which spawning was found to occur in other parts of the Caribbean. The primary purpose of the closed season, however, was to relieve fishing pressure periodically from the population, and secondarily to protect berried females.

The lobster fishermen have questioned the dates of closure on three counts.

1. Spawning appears to occur throughout the year, and in most areas the time at which the maximum number of females are berried does not coincide with the closed season.

2. Weatherwise the fishing conditions during the closed season are among the best of the year.

3. In the past, the lobster market has been strong from 15 March to 15 July because most other Caribbean producers have similar closed seasons at this time. Thus, if the local closed season were changed they would be likely to get a first market price for their product.

A program was started to reassess the closed period, and at the beginning of the 1967 lobster season the fishermen were requested to report on their catch returns giving the number of berried females and soft lobsters taken. Since the fishery does take soft lobsters, it is desirable for product quality to consider also if a time of maximum molting occurs.

The most consistent and reliable returns concerning berried and soft lobsters were from skindivers working the area south of Tobacco Reef - Zone IV. The catch statistics from three of the producers in Zone IV are given in Table 9.

In Zone I, north of English Cay, the percentage of berried females in the catch is much less than in the more southern regions. However, as indicated in Table 10, the greatest percentage of spawning occurs in September/October, coinciding with the peak in Zone IV. Data from Zone I is based on the catch returns of five trap fishermen, but they are insufficient to determine the percentage of soft lobsters.

The difference in the percentage of berried females in the catch of Zone I and Zone IV is most likely not a migration of mature female lobsters to more southern waters in the autumn months, but a result of the size taken by the fishery. A large proportion of the females taken in the northern area are immature. Also, if there were a migration of berried females one would expect a greater disproportion of sexes in the catch than shown by the data in Tables 9 and 10. More complete data taken over several seasons, including statistics from Turneff Island and Glovers and Lighthouse reefs, are needed before a valid statement could be made as to when the peak of spawning and molting does occur, and if it varies annually.

TABLE 7. WEEKLY LOG SHEET FOR DECLARATION OF TRAP FISHERMAN'S LOBSTER CATCH

TABLE 8. WEEKLY LOG SHEET FOR DECLARATION OF SKINDIVER'S LOBSTER CATCHES

* Weather conditions: sunny (s), cloudy (cl), calm (c), windy (w), heavy seas (hs)

TABLE 9. NUMBER OF MALES AND FEMALES, AND PERCENTAGE OF SOFT AND BERRIED LOBSTERS, TAKEN BY MONTH FROM 15 JULY TO 15 DECEMBER, 1967 - ZONE IV

TABLE 10. NUMBER OF MALES AND FEMALES, AND PERCENTAGE OF BERRIED LOBSTERS TAKEN BY MONTH FROM 15 JULY TO 15 NOVEMBER, 1967 - ZONE 1

Lobster tagging studies

Gross tagging of lobsters began in early October 1967, following several shortterm holding experiments to test tag types. The holding experiments did not prove to be definitive. Initial gross tagging used three tag types which are described and evaluated below.

The lobsters acquired for tagging were obtained from either the Fishery Unit's traps or from local trap fishermen who saved their undersize rejects. The tagging procedure consisted of recording carapace length, sex, shell condition, injuries or loss of appendages, and for females stage of maturity based on the relative length of pleopod setae. The telson was punched on either the right, left or middle segment depending upon the tag type used, and the lobster released. The reason for punching the telson is three-fold:

1. To conduct later market sampling of lobster tails and estimating the extent of tag loss by tag type. (Unfortunately insufficient market samples were taken to be of any value in estimating the tag loss.)

2. To ascertain upon recovery, that the fisherman did not change the tag to another individual.

3. To correlate the number of molts undergone with the degree of healing of the punch mark.

Figure 1: Map of British Honduras

The tagging release points are shown in Figure 1 and were selected on the basis of geographical features (for example, on each side of a cay, intervening channel or shallow area), and in most instances fifty or more lobsters were released at each point with each tagging effort.

Recovery of tagged lobsters depend upon fishermen's returns whose cooperation was stimulated by a reward offer. The amount of the reward was dependent upon the tag number, with five percent of the tags worth B.H. $5.00, ten percent worth B.H. $2.00 and the remainder B.H. $1.00 ¹. These amounts were paid only if the whole lobster was returned with information or data and place of capture - return of the tag only warranted a reward of B.H. $.50.

Tag types.

Three different tags have been employed in the tagging studies: F66A grow through; FM-5 multibarb, modified; and wire anchor hook (see Figure 2). Most of the tags were inserted in the dorsal extensor muscle between the first and second or second and third abdominal segments; however, one third of the wire hook tags were inserted between the carapace and the first abdominal segment. As a prophylactic measure, each tag was coated with penicillin ointment before insertion.

Figure 2. Examples of lobster tags used in the project. The wire anchor hook tag consists of a stainless steel hook, monofilament polyethylene, and vinyl plastic tubing.

In the first two months some of each tag type were released in the various general areas for the purpose of later assessing their proportionate recoveries to calculate retention. In Table II the particulars of the tag releases and recoveries for each tag type are given.

¹ Note. At the end of 1967 B.H. $1.00 was equal to U.S. $0.60.

TABLE 11. NUMBER OF LOBSTERS TAGGED AND RECOVERED BY SEX AND TAG TYPE AS OF 20 JANUARY, 1968

It is evident from Table 11 that the F66A grow-through tag is not being retained satisfactorily. In addition, there have been no recoveries of lobsters which have molted and retained this type of tag.

The low percentage of FM-5 recoveries is partly due to the recent release of several hundred in outlying areas where there is no extensive fishery. The FM-5, however, is retained during molting, 11 lobsters having been returned with this tag showing growth. But in two of these 11 recoveries the FM-5 tag was lost on molting.

The most satisfactory tag appears to be the wire hook type, thirteen of them having been recovered after molting. Of these thirteen showing growth, eleven had the wire hook inserted in the dorsal extensor muscle between the carapace and first abdominal segment.

Movement.

Recovery of lobsters in the initial three months of the tagging study indicate that their movements are random, usually over short distances of three to five miles (up to 8 km), but occasionally over distances of up to twenty miles (32 km). Figure 1 shows the direction and magnitude of movement of recovered lobsters eminating from each release point. The heaviness of the lines denotes the proportion moving in a direction from any given position - the lightest lines representing only one or two individuals.

There are certain areas where emigration appears to be restricted. None of the tagged lobsters released north of Cay Caulker was recovered more than five miles south of their release position. Also for the two release points directly south of St. Georges Cay (Gallows Point and Sargents Cay) there were very few recoveries out of the release area.

In contrast to minimal emigration from the above areas, most of the lobsters released at other positions move extensively. The rate of travel in several instances is more than two miles (3 km) per day.

The amount of movement shown indicates that there is a gradual mixing of the entire lobster population. Acknowledgement of this mixing is of considerable importance since it means that the population may be dealt with as a unit. Thus, a change in effort in one area would eventually effect the catch in other areas, and most management regulations would not be effective unless they take into consideration the entire lobster fishery.

It should be pointed out that the lobster movements presented here reflect mainly those of lobsters less than 80-millimeter carapace length. Lobsters of a greater size may show a different pattern of movement.

Growth.

Growth for one molt was recorded for 37 lobsters, 24 observations from tag recoveries and 13 from lobsters whose cast shells were found in Fishery Unit traps. Measurements on lobsters which molted in the traps were verified through comparison of the minor spine arrangement on the new and cast carapaces. These later measurements afford a means of assessing the effect of tagging on growth.

In Figure 3 the growth increments per molt are plotted. Table 12 shows a comparison of growth as recorded from tagged individuals and those observed molting in traps.

Figure 3. Growth increment per molt for lobsters recovered in conjunction with tagging studies, and observed to molt in traps without prior tagging.

TABLE 12. MEAN GROWTH IN CARAPACE LENGTH PER MOLT FROM TAG RETURNS AND OBSERVATIONS ON LOBSTERS WHICH MOLTED IN TRAPS

Figure 4. Carapace length/tail weight relationship. Sample from a commercial lobster fisherman's traps (circles). An additional random sample is shown by squares. A total of 122 females and 131 males, was taken.

There is a slight, but not significant, difference between the average growth per molt for males and females and between the sources of observations. As a preliminary assessment, it appears that the presence of a tag does not have any effect on the amount of growth per molt, and that the average increment per molt is 8 millimeters for both sexes.

In two tag recoveries (both female), the lobsters molted twice during their period of freedom. In one instance the lobster molted while being held prior to its return; the cast carapace showed a growth of 7 millimeters from the time of release, and the new carapace an additional 5 millimeters growth. The other tag recovery showed an increase of 13 millimeters; it was in a premolt stage at release, and soft at recovery.

These two lobsters had a 70-and 65-millimeter carapace length, respectively at release, and were free 89 and 152 days, respectively. At present, this is the only data on frequency of molting.

Length/weight/maturity relationship

In November and December of 1967 samples of a commercial catch of lobster were taken at St. Georges Cay. These were taken to assess the carapace length/tail weight/ -tail length relation of commercially caught lobsters in regard to existing size regulations, and also to compare this information with data on size at maturity.

Carapace length/tail weight relationship.

In November, the total week's trap catch of one fisherman was sampled and, in December, a similar sample of 70 percent was measured. Both samples were found to be similar and were combined; the plotted data is shown in Figure 4 as closed and open circles. An additional random sample of undersized lobsters from the same traps is shown as squares.

The present lobster regulations require that the minimum legal size be either 3.5 inches (87 mm) carapace length or 4 ounces (114 g) tail weight. It is evident from Figure 4 that these two bases for regulation are not synonymous.

It is also important to note that any regulation based on tail weight will result in the taking of a disproportionately greater number of females. A carapace length limit is more in order from a conservation standpoint since on that basis fewer females than males would be retained.

Tail length/tail weight relationship.

A size limit based on carapace length presents a problem of enforcement, for it is local practice to de-tail the lobster before delivery. Thus, tail length/tail weight measurements were taken on the above sample in an effort to determine if a well defined relationship existed between these two which would allow the use of tail length as a criteria for size regulation. The tail length/ tail weight relationship is shown in Figure 5. There is relatively little variability in tail weight for any given tail length and no pronounced sexual dimorphism. It is suggested that if conservation controls are required in the future, that size limits be based on carapace length and/or tail length and not tail weight.

Size at maturity.

One factor which may require a change in size limit is the need for protection of the spawning stock. Under the present fishing conditions there is intensive cropping of the lobsters as they enter the fishery, and these recruits should probably have the opportunity to mature and spawn at least once before attaining commercial size.

In an attempt to determine size at first maturity of female lobsters, the presence or absence of setae on the abdominal pleopods was used as an index. Figure 6 shows the percentage of mature females by 2-millimeters carapace length groupings as based on the proportion of those within each group with and without pleopod setae. The maturity ogive of Figure 6 agrees well with Mr. Allsopp's findings, for example that the smallest berried female recorded was 54 millimeters (FAO/TA-MS).

Figure 5. Tail length/tail weight relationship. Sample represents the same individuals as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6. Percentage of mature lobsters by 2- millimeter carapace length groupings. Maturity is based on the relative length of pleopod setae.

With the present lobster regulations a 4 ounce (114 g) tail averages about 70 millimeters carapace length. Provided the maturity ogive of Figure 6 is based on reliable criteria, it indicates that female lobsters are permitted to be taken by the fishery only when 40 percent have obtained maturity.

As mentioned in the preceding section on growth, the female increases about 8 millimeters in carapace length per molt. Assuming she molts at least twice a year in the size range of 60 to 80 millimeters a regulation based on the size after one more year's growth would allow most of the females to mature and spawn at least once before becoming available to the fishery.

Shrimp resources

For sizeable populations of penaeid shrimp and development of a potential fishery there are three environmental prerequisites:

1. Brackish water lagoons as nursery areas for juvenile shrimp.

2. Adjacent oceanic waters with mud bottom as feeding and spawning grounds for adults.

3. A relatively level, unobstructed, bottom for trawling operations.

Since British Honduras has these prerequisites it is not surprising that over the past decade attempts have been made to develop a local commercial shrimp fishery. Several explorations in the late 1950's and early 1960's failed to disclose substantial shrimp resources, and in 1966 another short-term permit was granted to three trawlers for further shrimp exploration in the local waters.

Most of the 1966 exploration was conducted in an area south of Stann Creek. The catch consisted of pink (Penaeus duorarum), brown (P. aztecus) and white (P. schmitti) shrimp in equal proportions, and amounted to an average of 370 pounds (168 kg) of “headed” shrimp per boat night.

Shrimp fishing was resumed in January of 1967 under a five-year concession, and has been continuous since then with one to seven double rigged trawlers in operation. The fishery in 1967 has been centered more in the northern waters between Robinson Point and Stann Creek. The catch has remained relatively constant between 200 to 400 pounds (91 to 182 kg) of “headed” shrimp per boat night, but in the more northern waters the haul was composed solely of pink shrimp.

Catch statistics.

The collection of statistical data on shrimp began in September 1967 with sampling of the catches at landing points. Information on areas of operation, days fished, stage of maturity, size, amount and species caught were obtained and have been summarized in Table 13.

TABLE 13. STATISTICAL DATA ON CATCH, SEX AND STAGE OF MATURITY OF PINK SHRIMP SAMPLED AT LANDING POINTS IN 1967 AND EARLY 1968

² The catch per night usually consists of three trawl hauls, each of four hours' duration, and representing twelve hours fishing time.

I = Immature (gonad small and pale, or absent);
D = Developed (gonad dark grey);
M = Mature (gonad large, yellow);
P.M. = Post-mature or spent(gonad absent).

Since initiation of statistical collection in September 1967, it can be seen from Table 13 that the proportion of female shrimp at each stage of maturity has remained fairly constant. From this, and the relatively uniform catch per night and number per pound, it may be that spawning and recruitment to the fishery is continuous.

In mid-January 1968, a log book (Table 14) for recording daily catches was given to each captain of a trawler fishing the local waters. The statistical data from these log books will provide information on catch per unit effort by area and date.

A pro forma for the statistical data required is shown in Table 14.

TABLE 14. DAILY LOG SHEET FOR DECLARATION OF SHRIMP CATCH

Incidental catch.

In January 1968 the catch of one double-rigged shrimp trawler operating in the main channel area from Colson Cay to Fly Range Cay was sampled to assess the incidental catch and discard of undersize shrimp.

One half of the total catch (one net of double rig) for the first four-hour drag was sorted, the undersize shrimp and dominate fish species segregated, weighed, and a random sample taken and measured. In the second four-hour drag only the silk snapper (Lutjanus vivanus) and discard shrimp were sampled. The results are presented in Table 15.

TABLE 15. LENGTH AND WEIGHT MEASUREMENTS OF PRINCIPAL SPECIES PRESENT IN A FOUR-HOUR HAUL TAKEN IN JANUARY 1968

* Shrimp less than 60/lb (132 per kg) were weighed after heading, and the total catch represents tail weight only.

** Male = 5.5 to 9.0 mm tail length; female = 5.5 to 11.5 mm tail length.

The fish species listed comprised over 90 percent of the fish taken, and amounted to 380 pounds (173 kg) in the first four-hour haul. Of the crustaceans taken, pink shrimp were predominant; in “heads on” weight, contributing to about 180 pounds (82 kg) of the catch (using conversion factor of 1.6; Kutkuhn, 1962). The other major crustacean present was squilled shrimp (order Stomatopoda) its number being approximately equal to that of pink shrimp. An average of three spiny lobsters of varying sizes were taken during each drag.

Even though the population of shrimp in British Honduras appears to be relatively small, and good bottom for fishing restricted, a prime asset is that the waters are protected, offering continuous operations throughout the year.

With weather not being a contributing factor to the noted variation in catch per boat night, the most likely causes are either population abundance changes or differences in fishing between vessels. To assess the shrimp population properly a comparison of fishing power should be made between each vessel in conjunction with the c.u.e. This would require information on the types of boats (for example, length and horsepower), and to types and sizes of nets used.

Fishery laboratory and research vessel

A completely renovated salt-water system has been designed for the marine laboratory making use of a 40 ft (12 m) drilled well on the premises. The well water's temperature, salinity (oceanic 32 ‰, well 33.5 ‰) and pH coincide with coastal waters, but there is some evidence of hydrogen sulphide. There does, not however, appear to be any evidence of high iron or manganese levels in the water which plagues other salt-water well systems. Animals were held continuously for three months in the well water, the water in the aquaria being changed once or twice weekly and aerated with a pump. The water was not checked for oxygen content, however. Low oxygen content may be easily remedied with a gravity aeration tower above the resevoir tank on the laboratory roof or by placing an open-ended tube into the salt water line just before it enters the aquaria.

The laboratory has been designed on a 9 ft (3 m) modular plan with 110 and 220 V electrical outlets, fresh-and salt-water taps, floor and sink drains available at each module. None of the present internal partitions is of a supporting nature and may be moved or deleted as required.

Floor drains and access holes for plumbing leading to a third floor have been installed in the walls and roof slab in the event of expansion. The laboratory benches have been designed with modular interchangeable drawers, shelves or cabinets.

A shallow draft 36-foot (12 m) research vessel is being constructed for the Fishery Unit. It is designed as an all-purpose single-rigged vessel capable of handling a 50-foot (15 m) flat or semi-balloon trawl. It has space for four bunks and a galley, and is intended for use in exploratory fishing.