Work Analysis on Set-Net Operation When Giant Jellyfish Entered a Net

Abstract

In recent years, the heavy infestation of giant jellyfish (Nemopilema nomurai) has been affecting coastal fishery in Japan. The authors analyzed, as a case study, working process in set-net operation in the Hachinohe coast in northeast Japan. By evaluating work posture during the operation using a "pain index", they quantitatively showed the load of fishing workers when giant jellyfish entered the net. Fishing workers scoop a large amount of jellyfish, which cannot be commercialized, after hoisting the net, and then collect useful fish species such as salmons. In the case reported here, fishing workers used to spend 61 min for scooping giantjellyfish, while spending 54 min for hoisting the net, 14 min for collecting fish and 20 min for releasing the net. During the scooping operation, overburdened work posture was repeatedly forced.