Fishing nets are essential tools used in both commercial and recreational fishing to catch fish and other aquatic species. They come in various types, each designed for specific fishing methods and environments. Here’s an overview of common fishing nets:
1. Types of Fishing Nets
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Gillnets:
- Vertical panels of netting that trap fish by their gills when they try to swim through.
- Used in both freshwater and marine fishing.
- Can be set at different depths (surface, midwater, or bottom).
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Seine Nets:
- Large, wall-like nets used to encircle fish.
- Purse Seine: A type of seine net that closes at the bottom like a drawstring purse, used for schooling fish (e.g., tuna, sardines).
- Beach Seine: Dragged from shore to shallow waters.
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Trawl Nets:
- Cone-shaped nets towed behind boats to catch fish or shrimp.
- Bottom Trawls: Scrape the seafloor (controversial due to bycatch and habitat damage).
- Midwater Trawls: Target pelagic (open-water) species.
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Cast Nets:
- Circular nets thrown by hand, sinking over fish and trapping them when retrieved.
- Common in small-scale and recreational fishing.
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Trammel Nets:
- Three-layered nets where fish get entangled between fine inner mesh and larger outer mesh.
- Often used for catching species like mullet and flounder.
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Lift Nets:
- Square or circular nets submerged and then lifted quickly to trap fish above them.
- Used in shallow waters or with bait attraction.
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Drift Nets:
- Long, free-floating nets that drift with currents to catch fish like salmon or squid.
- Banned in many areas due to bycatch (e.g., dolphins, turtles).
2. Materials Used
- Natural Fibers: Historically made from cotton, hemp, or sisal (less common today).
- Synthetic Fibers: Modern nets use nylon, polyethylene, or polyester for durability and resistance to rot.
3. Environmental & Ethical Concerns
- Bycatch: Non-target species (e.g., dolphins, turtles) often get trapped.
- Ghost Fishing: Lost or abandoned nets continue trapping marine life.
- Habitat Damage: Bottom trawling destroys seabed ecosystems.
4. Regulations & Sustainable Practices
- Mesh Size Limits: To avoid catching juvenile fish.
- Biodegradable Nets: Experimental nets that break down if lost.
- Escape Panels: Allow non-target species to exit.
Would you like details on a specific type of net or fishing technique?