Fishing methods explanation definitions

FISHING METHODS

There are a variety of methods used to catch fish. The majority of methods have an adverse effect on the marine environment, in terms of bycatch, damage to the seabed, and negative effects on the marine food web.

Fishing methods are classified as either active or passive.

Passive gears are those which are left in place for a period before retrieval. They may either attract fish using bait, or may passively wait for a fish to swim into a net or trap. Examples of passive gear are gill nets, longlines, traps and pots.

Active or mobile gears are moved in order to catch fish by trapping or encirclement.
These gears can be divided into those which are towed along the seabed e.g.. Otter trawls and beam trawls, and those which remain clear of the seabed e.g.. mid-water trawls and purse seines.

The two types of gear which have the LEAST adverse effect on the marine environment, in terms of bycatch, damage to the seabed and negative effects on the marine food web are HANDLINES and POLE & LINES.

Fisheries are classified as inshore, mid-water, pelagic, or deep-water fisheries.

Inshore Fisheries

Inshore fisheries target species which are found in waters close to shore, and in depths down to 200 metres. These are the fisheries of greatest importance to recreational fishers.
Inshore fishing methods include trawling, gillnetting and bottom longlining.

Pelagic Fisheries

Pelagic fisheries target species which swim in schools in surface waters, and in depths down to 200 metres. These species range over wide areas of open ocean. There are two broad categories of pelagic species: highly migratory species such as tuna, and small pelagics such as mackerel.
Fishing methods used include pair trawling, purse seining, ocean trolling and surface longlining.

Mid-Water Fisheries.

Mid-water fisheries target species which are found in depths of 200� metres. Consequently, specialist equipment is required.
Fishing methods include trawling, bottom longlining and jigging.

Deep-Water Fisheries.

Deepwater fisheries target species which are found in depths of 600� metres. Large boats and highly specialised equipment is needed to target fish in such deep water.
The most common fishing method is trawling.