rotdelens

Rotalen, also known as Rotdelens, is a type of fishing net originating from the Netherlands. It is traditionally used in the northern European coastal waters, particularly in the North Sea and the Wadden Sea, for fishing and sea trapping purposes.

The design of the Rotdelens is based on a square-shaped frame, usually made from wood, to which multiple wooden bars or "stretchers" are attached. These stretchers are strung with a mesh made of twine or cordage, which is used to ensnare marine wildlife. The net is typically baited with small fish or other bait, its purpose being to attract and encircle the desired catch, before closing the entrance by unsnarling the bar. This technique of using the Rotalen is often used as an opportunity to study and monitor the marine fauna of the affected area. It remains an important tool in studying biological communities through closed, static enclosures.

Over time, the design of the Rotdelens has undergone adaptations and modifications to increase its efficiency and manageability. However, the traditional methods of fishing and sea trapping with Rotalens continue to be an essential element in local European marine research and practices throughout the region. As such, this traditional fishing practice has been able to be effectively integrated into modern-day practices and science.