Fishery Biologist Adam Kowalski mended approximately 3,600 ft of assessment gillnet during February.  The nets consist of 100-foot panels of 2- to 6-inch stretch mesh strung in 1/2-inch increments and are used by the Alpena FRO for the annual fishery independent lake whitefish assessment in 1836 Treaty waters.  

Mending consists of inspecting every net for holes, broken floats, and broken ties.  Holes are repaired by either sewing in new twine across gaps or by replacing large holes with new sections of net.  If nets are damaged beyond repair, replacement nets are built.

Net repair is very important for collecting accurate and consistent data during our annual fisheries assessments.  Nets must be strung similarly and repaired to the same standard each year to assure consistent gear selectivity across sampling years.  Net repair and construction will continue throughout the winter until spring assessments start.