Naapwaan

Naapwaan is a term that refers to a specific type of fishing net used in certain parts of the Philippines, particularly in the Bicol region. It is a drift net, meaning it is allowed to float freely in the water, carried by currents. The net is typically made of nylon and is characterized by its relatively small mesh size, designed to catch smaller pelagic fish such as sardines, anchovies, and small mackerels.

The construction of a naapwaan involves a long wall of netting, often several hundred meters in length, that is deployed in the open sea, usually at dawn or dusk when fish are most active near the surface. It is attached to a boat at one end, and the other end may be left free or tethered to a buoy. Fishermen rely on the natural movement of the water to carry the net through schools of fish.

Once a sufficient amount of time has passed, the net is retrieved by hauling it back to the boat. The fish that become entangled in the mesh are then collected. This method is generally employed by small-scale fishing operations and is a traditional practice that has been passed down through generations. The effectiveness of the naapwaan depends on factors such as the presence of fish schools, water currents, and the skill of the fishermen in selecting appropriate fishing grounds and deployment times. Environmental conditions can significantly influence catch rates.