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Gillnetting

technology Maturity 5-7 Next article →

Gillnetting is a way to catch fish using large nets.

Gillnet illustration
Gillnet illustration

These nets hang straight down in the water. Floats on the top line keep the net up. Weights on the bottom line keep it down.

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

Fish can get caught in a net in three ways. Some fish get stuck by their bodies in the mesh. Others get stuck when the net slips behind their gill covers. Some fish get caught by their teeth or spines.

Gillnet selectivity
Gillnet selectivity

Nets can be made of many things. Long ago, people used fibers from plants or wood. Today, many nets use nylon. Nylon is a strong plastic. It is hard to see in the water. This helps catch more fish.

Scientists study the size of the net holes. This is called selectivity. It helps make sure only the right fish are caught. This helps protect other animals like dolphins.

BC Bow Picker Mahalo Kai (Commercial Salmon Gillnetter)
BC Bow Picker Mahalo Kai (Commercial Salmon Gillnetter)

Governments make rules for gillnetting. They watch how many fish are caught. They also check the size and length of the nets.

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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:Eilif Peterssen-Laksefiskeren (1889).jpg
Eilif Peterssen-Laksefiskeren (1889).jpg
File:Gillnet illustration.PNG
Gillnet illustration.PNG
File:BC Bow Picker Mahalo Kai (Commercial Salmon Gillnetter).jpg
BC Bow Picker Mahalo Kai (Commercial...
File:Fish and Wildlife Service worker on boat checking gill net full of fish.jpg
Fish and Wildlife Service worker on boat...
File:MENDING A GILLNET ON THE DOCK AT ST. HELENS ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER - NARA - 548102.jpg
MENDING A GILLNET ON THE DOCK AT ST....
File:Gillnet selectivity.png
Gillnet selectivity.png
File:Drawing of a gill netter.png
Drawing of a gill netter.png
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