Different nets and grates were used in each phase. Testing locations also differed between trials. In Phase 1, grate angles were investigated using an initial white prototype grate with a bottom escape opening. In Phase 2, we refined the grate design and explored grate color effects and leading fish towards a top or bottom escape vent. Please see final report for detailed information.

Tows were conducted during Phase 1 to investigate the general performance (catching and exclusion properties) of the grate at two different angles (set with the lower portion of the grate tilted to the aft of the net at approximately 45 degrees and 35 degrees on land). Tows one through six were conducted with the grate set at approximately 45 degrees (arrangement 1); tows seven through nine had the grate set at approximately 35 degrees (arrangement 2). All used an upward guiding panel, a white grate with a forward-leaning top portion, and a bottom escape vent. An underwater camera (Remote Ocean Systems Navigator) was attached either on the guiding panel pointing aft or on the grate itself viewing towards the escape vent.Net mensuration sensors were used to obtain door spreads, wing spreads, headrope heights, and net openings. Additionally, an angle sensor was borrowed from Notus Electronics Ltd. to record the grate's angle while towing; this sensor was attached to the grate.

Phase 2
The following tows and gear configurations (continuing sequentially from Phase 1) were completed:
- Arrangement 3, Tows 10-15: Black grate, top of grate forward-leaning 45 degree angle, upward guiding panel, and bottom escape vent.
- Arrangement 4, Tows 16-21: Black grate, top of grate aft-leaning 45 degree angle, downward guiding panel, and top escape vent.
- Arrangement 5, Tows 22-28: White grate, top of grate aft-leaning 45 degree angle, downward guiding panel, and top escape vent.
- Arrangement 6, Tows 29-33: White grate, top of grate forward-leaning 45 degree angle, upward guiding panel, and bottom escape vent.
The underwater camera was attached forward of the grate looking aft. as in Phase 1, net mensuration data were collected for exploratory analyses (without an angle sensor); some data were also collected on the square height and footrope height while towing. Temperature data were collected using an Onset Tidbit logger also for exploratory purposes.

Gear Letter	Net_Name	Grate_Material	grate angle (degrees)	grate spacing (inches)	Grate_Color	Escape_Vent
A	Phase 1 net	HDPE	45	2	white	bottom
B	Phase 1 net	HDPE	35	2	white	bottom
C	Phase 2 net	HDPE	45	2	black	bottom
D	Phase 2 net	HDPE	45	2	black	top
E	Phase 2 net	HDPE	45	2	white	top
F	Phase 2 net	HDPE	45	2	white	bottom

doggrate_catch.csv