Fisheries Fishing Methods

Bottom Trawling Dragging a fishing net along the seabed. The net is cone shaped to trap the fish. Ex: sole, flounder, haddock, cod

Bottom Trawling Pros: Cons: Efficient and effective to catch groundfish. Provides the market with larger volumes of seafood. Cons: Sometimes has high levels of by-catch.

Gillnets Vertical curtains of netting. Fish swim into the net and become entangled. Ex: swordfish, tuna, squid

Gillnets Pros: Cons: Inexpensive technique to catch full schools. By-catch of medium to large marine species (sharks, turtles, small marine mammals).

Longlining A main line with smaller lines attached are loaded with bait and attached to a vessel. Ex: cod, haddock, halibut, swordfish, tuna, shark

Longlining Pros: Cons: Effective for catching deepwater species. Low levels of by-catch. Cons: Lines take a long time to bait. More by-catch if line is not weighted.

Purse Seine A long wall of netting hung vertically. Used to encircle schools of fish. Ex: small fish such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel, Pacific herring

Purse Seine Pros: Cons: Easy to catch full schools. By-catch is minimal because schools are targeted. Cons: Species can become unsustainable.

Rod and Reel A pole with a baited line used to lure fish. Technique well known to most recreational fishermen Ex: halibut, bass, tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel

Rod and Reel Pros: Cons: Low levels of by-catch (can be released). Low environmental impact. Cons: Time consuming and inefficient.

Shellfish Farming Reproducing conditions favourable for the production of shellfish. Growth occurs in mesh bags suspending on ropes. Ex: mussels, clams, oysters

Shellfish Farming Pros: Cons: Removes pressure on wild shellfish. Well-run farms can improve water quality. Cons: Possible waste. Possible introduction of invasive species.

Traps and Pots Metal or wood cage-like devices submerged to the seafloor. Loaded with bait to attract specific fish and shellfish. Ex: lobsters, crab

Traps and Pots Pros: Cons: Low environmental impact. Low levels of by-catch. Cons: Forgotten traps may continue to fish (ghost fishing).

Trolling Trailing a baited line from a vessel. The line stays relatively close to the surface. Ex: salmon, tuna, bass, trout

Trolling Pros: Cons: Low environmental impact. Low by-catch (can release). Cons: Energy and time intensive.

Videos Makah Longling Fishing Purse Seining Pacific Tuna on the Line Stop at 2:40 Purse Seining Pacific Tuna on the Line