Pelagic gillnets or ‘set nets’ are fine-filament nets which are kept at or below the surface by numerous floats and weights and held in position by anchors. If a fish’s head goes through the net but its body can’t follow, it is ‘gilled’ or entangled in the netting when it tries to get out. Gillnets are used either alone or in large numbers placed in a row. Drifting gillnets or driftnets float freely with the current or with the boat to which it is attached, usually across the path of migrating fish schools.
International

Pelagic gillnets or ‘set nets’ are fine-filament nets which are kept at or below the surface by numerous floats and weights and held in position by anchors. If a fish’s head goes through the net but its body can’t follow, it is ‘gilled’ or entangled in the netting when it tries to get out. Gillnets are used either alone or in large numbers placed in a row. Drifting gillnets or driftnets float freely with the current or with the boat to which it is attached, usually across the path of migrating fish schools.

© Greenpeace / William Moris Julien

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