Keigo EBATA |
Associate Professor Keigo EBATA
Field: Fisheries Resource Sciences
Major: Fishing Gear Design and Fishing Methods
Title: “Methods of catching dainty fishes”
Kagoshima Bay is located in front of Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University. Also known as “Kinko Bay,” it is a goldmine of delicious seafood. A variety of fish are caught from Kagoshima Bay using different fishing methods, and brought to our tables.
Photo 1 Largehead hairtail Trichiurus japonicus caught in Kagoshima Bay. |
Photo 2 Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus caught in Kagoshima Bay. |
Photo 3 Model experiments on bottom trawl net at a flume tank. |
Photo 4 Spawning of Octopus Octopus vulgaris at artificial shelter in Kagoshima Bay. |
Photo 5 Spawning of Bigfin reef squid Sepioteuthis lessoniana on trees placed by fishermen in Kagoshima Bay. |
Photo 1 shows Largehead hairtail Trichiurus japonicus caught in Kagoshima Bay. Freshly caught, its beautiful skin glitters. Fishermen go to sea in the early mornings and deploy bottom longline to catch fish.
Iso beach in Kagoshima city is popular and bustles with swimmers in the summer season. Just offshore is a fishing ground for Japanese flounder and Octopus. Japanese flounders are caught using trammel nets, while Octopus are caught with collapsible pots and plastic shelters.
I studied the methods of catching these delicious fish, which require catching the fish without damaging them or causing them stress, and reducing the impact of fishing on marine environments and resources. I studied the relationship between fishing methods and fish quality, by field survey using “Nansei-maru” our proud training vessel of Kagoshima University.
Reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are the important issues for capture fishery. In order to solve the issues, model experiments of fishing gear are conducted at a flume tanks. These flume tank experiments are conducted not only by the University researchers, but also by fishermen, fishing net companies, and the local government. Together, we conduct collaborative research.
Our students often enjoy fishing and diving after class at wonderful Kagoshima Bay near our campus. I also enjoy diving, and have conducted diving surveys. While diving, I happen to see fantastic sights, such as glittering schools of fish, fish spawning, and hatching of Octopus juveniles.
Several aspects about the sea, fish, and fishing technology remain unknown. I will continue my work with my students, in order to improve fishing technology and relish high quality and delicious seafood.
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