Kalaverkot

Kalaverkot is the Finnish plural noun for fishing nets, referring to the equipment used to catch fish. The singular form is kalaverkko, and the term is used for nets deployed in both inland waters and the sea. It covers various net designs used in commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishing.

The term combines kala (fish) and verkk (net) and literally means fish net.

Historically nets were made from natural fibers like hemp; today they are often nylon or polyethylene. Mesh sizes and knot patterns vary by intended catch and method. The plural kalaverkot can refer to several designs, including gillnets, seine nets, fyke nets, and other trapping nets, depending on regional usage.

Kalaverkot are used by professional fishers and hobbyists in Finland. Their use is governed by national and EU regulations that set rules on mesh size, escape devices, bycatch mitigation, and seasonal or area restrictions. Operators typically require licenses and must follow local gear requirements.

Kalaverkot have long been central to Finnish fishing on lakes and coastlines, adapting from traditional methods to modern gear and conservation practices.