Kalaverkko

Kalaverkko is a fishing net used to catch fish. It is made of interwoven fibers forming a mesh, commonly nylon today, but historically hemp and other natural materials were used. The size of the mesh and the net's construction determine which species and sizes it can catch.

A kalaverkko consists of a grid of knots with a float line along the top and a lead line along the bottom; floats keep the upper edge at the surface and weights press the net down. Nets can be stationary, anchored along shores or seabeds, or set to drift with currents. They may be deployed alone or as part of longer gear setups.

The gear is used for various species and conditions; mesh size and depth influence catch composition. In Finland and the EU, kalaverkko use is regulated through licensing, seasonal rules, and minimum mesh sizes to protect fish stocks and reduce bycatch. Lost nets pose environmental risks as ghost nets and can continue to trap wildlife or pollute waterways.

Origin and context: nets have long been part of Nordic fishing culture. The transition from natural fibers to synthetic materials in the 20th century increased durability and efficiency, but also brought concerns about bycatch and litter. Kalaverkko remains a common method in coastal and inland Finnish waters, reflecting a tradition that coexists with modern regulatory and conservation efforts.