Ships Prepare for Hake Experimental Fishing Gear

The new method proposed increases the mesh eye by two centimeters. This prevents the capture of small shrimp and allows for only hake to be caught.

Jimmy Martinez, Undersecretary of Fisheries, said that 12 boats are participating in this first pilot phase. The tests will culminate on 28 February.

The Secretary added that this species is abundant in the country, especially in the Gulf of Guayaquil, Manabi and Esmeraldas.

In Ecuador, 8000 tonnes of hake are harvested a year. "I hope we get out without damaging the resource, around 17,000 tonnes per year," the official stressed.

By fishing with this alternative equiptment, the Government seeks to avoid the environmental impact on the sea bottom.