A gill net works by acting as a wall of netting in the water, specifically designed to entangle fish that attempt to swim through its mesh.
Gill nets are fishing gear deployed in the water column to intercept fish. Their operation is based on a straightforward principle:
- They are essentially long, vertical "walls of netting" that are set across the path of fish.
- As fish swim into the net, their heads may pass through the mesh, but their gills become caught in the webbing when they try to back out, thus ensnaring them. This is how the net "entangles" fish.
Primary Targets and Accidental Catches
While gill nets are primarily designed to catch their target fish species, their non-selective nature means they can inadvertently capture other marine life. The provided reference explicitly states:
"Gill Nets are walls of netting designed to entangle. Fish. These nets can also accidentally catch ocean animals like sea turtles, marine mammals, and sharks."
This accidental capture of non-target species is commonly referred to as bycatch and is a significant environmental concern associated with gillnet fishing.
Key Aspects of Gill Net Operation
To summarize the operational characteristics of gill nets:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Structure | Consists of a long, vertical panel of netting, often supported by floats and weights to remain upright. |
| Purpose | Primarily designed to entangle fish by their gills, fins, or bodies. |
| Mechanism | Fish push through the mesh but get snagged, preventing escape. |
| Bycatch Risk | High potential for unintended capture of non-target marine species due to their non-selective design. |
| Examples of Bycatch | Includes vulnerable species such as sea turtles, marine mammals, and sharks. |
Environmental Implications
The significant risk of bycatch makes gillnetting a contentious fishing method. The unintended capture of marine mammals, sea turtles, and sharks poses threats to the populations of these sensitive species. Efforts are continually explored within the fishing industry to reduce bycatch through various mitigation techniques, although these measures are not detailed in the provided reference.
For further information on sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation, consider exploring resources from environmental organizations and fisheries management bodies here.
