Verkkokalastus

Verkkokalastus, meaning net fishing, is a method of catching fish using various types of nets. It is used in commercial, artisanal, and recreational fishing. Nets can be designed to catch specific species or sizes and work by entangling fish or guiding them into a pocket or net.

Common types include gill nets, which trap fish by the gills when they attempt to swim through; trammel nets, with multiple layers of meshes; seine nets used to encircle schools and then drawn in; trap and hoop nets used to capture individuals or surface schooling fish. Nets are deployed from boats or shore, often in set locations or during migratory periods, and can be used in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

Regulation: Net fishing is subject to laws on licensing, gear restrictions, seasons, mesh sizes, and protected species bycatch. Sustainable practices emphasize selecting appropriate mesh to reduce juvenile fish catch, avoiding sensitive habitats, and reporting bycatch. Overfishing and discarded nets can harm ecosystems.

Safety and logistics: Handling nets requires experience; entanglement, drowning risk, lines, and gear loss are hazards. Cleaning, storage, and maintenance are important.