The objectives of this study were to evaluate performance in efficiency and selectivity of two hook types, namely, circle hooks and J-hooks used in demersal longline gear in Omani waters. To achieve these objectives, in December 2004 a longline experiment was conducted at three fishing locations at Masirah Island in the Sultanate of Oman. A total of 6 120 baited hooks (3 060 (no. 6) J-hooks and 3 060 (no. 6) circle hooks) were deployed over a 17-day period. The results indicated that 90% and 89% of circle- and J-hooks respectively were retrieved. Of the total catch of 581 fish (924 kg), the circle hooks caught 63% by numbers and 51% by weight. It was found that the catch of both hook types were dominated by one family (Lethrinidiae) and one species (Lethrinus microdon), which accounted for 38% by weight and 48% by number of all total catch. The noncommercial species accounted for 12% by weight and 7.4 % by number of the total catch.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate performance in efficiency and selectivity of two hook types, namely, circle hooks and J-hooks used in demersal longline gear in Omani waters. To achieve these objectives, in December 2004 a longline experiment was conducted at three fishing locations at ...