A series of trial operations using the German high-opening trawl net (Hermann Engel type) and other types of nets were carried out in Manila Bay on board the F/B Carlos Renalo II and F/B Maria Cynthia II owned by Mr. Lauro G. Javier of Na- votas, Rizal. The trials were undertaken under the supervision of the author and Per Eilefsen, Gear Technologist/Master- fisherman of the UNDP-FAO program. The trials were conducted to demonstrate and determine the workability of the new trawl net on board the boat of Mr. Javier and to compare its efficiency with the locally-assembled and designed Norsenet trawls.
The trials were also undertaken to determine the efficiency of the modified German highopening trawl net in Manila Bay. The new nets were dissected and plans were drawn to serve as bases for mending and repair in case of damage and to facilitate copying when found more efficient than the locally-made nets.
The technical assistance activity of the UN expert and the author included fishing trials, trawl net and otter board designing, and advisory and technical services.
The use of the new net enabled the beat to maintain a dragging speed of 3 Vi to 4 knots. This was not possible previously when the old kuralon nets were being used.