Dragnet fishing is a type of fishing method commonly used by commercial fishermen to catch large quantities of fish. Also known as trawling, this technique involves dragging a large net, called a dragnet or trawl, through the water, capturing everything in its path.
The dragnet used in dragnet fishing is typically made of nylon or other strong synthetic materials. It is shaped like a cone with a wide opening on one end and a narrow end on the opposite side. The opening is held open by large metal doors, which are attached to the sides of the net and act as wings. These metal doors help to spread the net open as it moves through the water, ensuring that as many fish as possible are captured.
Dragnet fishing is commonly done by large fishing vessels that can drag the net over a large area for an extended period of time. The boat’s crew typically use radar and sonar to locate schools of fish and then drag the net through the area in which the fish are present. Once the net is full of fish, it is pulled to the surface by a winch and the fish are sorted and stored on the boat.
One of the downsides of dragnet fishing is that it can also catch non-target species, such as turtles, dolphins, and sharks. These unintended catches are known as bycatch and can have serious environmental consequences. Many organizations are working to reduce the amount of bycatch associated with dragnet fishing by implementing more selective fishing methods.
Dragnet fishing is a common fishing method used by commercial fishermen to catch large quantities of fish. While it can be an efficient way to catch fish, it can also have negative environmental consequences if not managed properly. By implementing more sustainable fishing practices, we can ensure that we have a healthy and abundant fish population for generations to come.