India, Oct. 23 -- Tighter rules around fishing practices to discourage the catching of smaller fish have been signalled by the Government as part of moves to better protect the natural marine environment and more closely monitor and regulate commercial fishing activity. It is imperative that fishers have access to gear that enables them to catch fish in a more targeted way.

As part of a NIWA-led project aimed at developing new generation sustainable trawl gear, UC Master of Engineering student Stefano Barfucci has been exploring innovative ways to allow undersized juvenile fish to escape directly from the trawl net.

"I explored a number of different designs as part of this research, using 3D printing and laser cutting equipment at UC's ...