Netföng

Netföng, also known as net-fong or net fishing, primarily refers to a traditional fishing method that uses a net as the primary tool for catching aquatic life. This method has been practiced in various cultures worldwide and remains a vital component of small-scale and subsistence fisheries. The technique involves deploying nets, which can vary in size, mesh, and design, to capture fish or other marine organisms by entrapment.

Nets used in netföng can take multiple forms, including gillnets, hand nets, cast nets, and seine nets. Gillnets are designed to catch fish by their gills, while cast and hand nets are used manually for targeted collection. Seine nets are larger, curtain-like nets that encircle schools of fish, enabling their easy retrieval.

Historically, netföng has been a sustainable fishing practice when appropriately managed since it generally relies on passive capture, reducing bycatch and habitat disturbance. The design and deployment of nets are often tailored to local ecological conditions and target species.

Environmental concerns associated with netföng include overfishing and accidental capture of non-target species, known as bycatch. Proper management, regulation, and the development of selective net designs are essential for ensuring sustainable use.

In contemporary fisheries, netföng continues to play a significant role, especially in developing regions and traditional communities. It provides livelihoods, food security, and cultural value, making it a crucial practice within the broader context of small-scale fishing practices globally.