Fishing gear refers to all means or equipment used by fishermen to catch fish and other marine organisms in the waters. This gear is designed and operated in various ways according to fish behavior, habitat, and fishing objectives. The main function of fishing gear is to help fishermen obtain fish in large quantities, efficiently, and according to the target catch.
In principle, fishing gear can work in two ways:
- Active fishing gear is gear that requires fishermen to chase, herd, or directly operate it so that fish enter the gear. As a result, the catch is usually obtained more quickly and in greater quantities.
Examples of Active Fishing Gear:
Purse seine is one of the most common active gears used by fishermen to catch pelagic fish such as mackerel, scad, and small tuna. This gear is a large circular net deployed around a school of fish. After encircling the school, the bottom of the net is closed like a drawstring, preventing the fish from escaping. This process traps the fish inside the net and allows them to be hauled onto the boat. Because of its encircling technique, this gear is very effective in catching large quantities of fish.
Trawl, also known as tiger trawl, is a long cone-shaped net that is towed by a vessel along the seabed or midwater. The net is designed to keep its mouth open while being towed, allowing fish, shrimp, or other demersal organisms to enter and accumulate in the end section. Trawls are known for producing large catches, but their use often receives criticism due to potential damage to benthic habitats.
Seine nets are also active gears, typically used in coastal waters. Fishermen deploy the net into the sea and then pull it back toward the beach or the vessel. Fish caught in the path of the net become concentrated and unable to escape. Small pelagic fish such as anchovies or scads are commonly caught using seine nets.
- Passive fishing gear, on the other hand, is deployed and left stationary in the water, allowing fish to become trapped or entangled on their own. Its operation is simpler, more selective, and generally requires less effort.
Examples of Passive Fishing Gear:
Gill net is a type of passive gear. It is set vertically in the water, usually along fish migration routes. When fish swim into the net, their gills become entangled in the mesh, preventing them from escaping. This gear is relatively selective since only fish of certain sizes are caught depending on the mesh size used.
Hook and line, either hand line or long line, use bait to attract fish, which then become hooked. A hand line is operated simply with one or several hooks, while a long line consists of hundreds of hooks deployed simultaneously in open waters to catch large fish such as tuna or skipjack.
Fish traps are box- or cone-shaped devices typically made of bamboo or wire. They are placed on the seabed with bait inside. Fish, lobsters, or other organisms enter to seek food but cannot exit due to the narrowing entrance. This gear is widely used by traditional fishermen because it is easy to make, environmentally friendly, and effective in shallow waters.
REFERENCES
Dewi, F. A., Purbayanto, A., & Wiyono, E. S. 2021. Jaring Kekop (Gillnet) fishery and its sustainability level in Ranau Lake, South Sumatera. Marine Fisheries, 12(1), 35–46.
Sipahutar, A. M., Mudzakir, A. K., & Setiyanto, I. 2022. Environmental friendliness analysis of purse seine operated by KM Sumber Baru, Belawan, North Sumatera. Marine Fisheries, 13(2), 137–148.
Tajuddin, M., Ihsan, & Asmidar. 2019. Studi desain dan komposisi jenis hasil tangkapan alat tangkap trap net di perairan Kecamatan Sigeri Kabupaten Pangkep. Journal of Indonesian Tropical Fisheries, 2(1), 86–99.
Wiyono, E. S., Mahiswara, & Hufiadi. 2020. Fishing gear allocation and catch landing of purse seine in southern coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, 24(5), 437–448
