Report of the Study Group on Mesh Measurements Methodology (SGMESH)

a) advise on improvements and further standardisation of current mesh measurement practices in view of the nettingtypes now in use in ICES Member Countries;b) consider whether the current definition of mesh size is still appropriate for scientific and industrial purposes;c) compile an inventory of commercially available netting associated with the selectivity process, identifying thefisheries in which they are used;d) consider the need to define groups of netting types for which the same measurement conditions (e.g., tension) canbe applied;e) propose the specification of a suitable mesh measurement methodology and the conditions under which meshmeasurements for all fishing gears in ICES areas are madef) SGMESH will report to the Fisheries Technology Committee at the 2000 Annual Science Conference.