Gillnetting

Eilif Peterssen-Laksefiskeren (1889)

Gillnet illustration

BC Bow Picker Mahalo Kai (Commercial Salmon Gillnetter)

Fish and Wildlife Service worker on boat checking gill net full of fish

MENDING A GILLNET ON THE DOCK AT ST. HELENS ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER - NARA - 548102

Gillnet selectivity

Gillnetting is a common fishing method used worldwide to catch a variety of fish species. This method employs nets that are vertically hung in the water column, with weights at the bottom and floats at the top, creating a wall of netting that fish cannot see. The nets are designed so that when fish attempt to pass through them, they are caught by their gills, hence the name gillnetting. This technique can be highly selective, with the size of the mesh in the nets being adjusted to target specific species and sizes of fish, thereby reducing bycatch.

History

Gillnetting is an ancient fishing method, with evidence of its use dating back thousands of years. Early civilizations around the world utilized this technique to harvest fish from both freshwater and marine environments. Over the centuries, the materials and technology used in gillnetting have evolved, from nets made of natural fibers to modern synthetic materials, which are more durable and effective.

Types of Gillnets

Gillnets can be classified into several types based on their deployment. The main categories include:

• Set gillnets: Anchored in a fixed position and can be set to fish near the surface, midwater, or bottom.
• Drift gillnets: Not anchored and are allowed to drift with the current, typically used in open water to catch pelagic fish.
• Encircling gillnets: Used to encircle a school of fish before being closed at the bottom.

Environmental Impact

The use of gillnets has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding bycatch and the entanglement of non-target species, including sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds. In some areas, the deployment of gillnets is regulated or restricted to minimize these impacts. Efforts to develop more selective gillnetting practices and gear modifications, such as acoustic pingers to deter marine mammals, are ongoing to reduce bycatch.

Regulations

Many countries have regulations governing the use of gillnets, including restrictions on mesh size, net length, and the areas and times they can be deployed. These regulations are designed to ensure sustainable fishing practices and to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems and species.

Sustainability

The sustainability of gillnetting as a fishing method depends on various factors, including the species targeted, the fishing area, and the management practices in place. When properly regulated and managed, gillnetting can be a sustainable way to harvest fish. However, overfishing and the indiscriminate use of gillnets can lead to negative ecological impacts.

Conclusion

Gillnetting remains a vital fishing method for many communities around the world. While it offers an efficient way to catch fish, the method also poses challenges for marine conservation. Balancing the economic benefits of gillnetting with the need to protect marine biodiversity is crucial for the future of both fisheries and ocean ecosystems.