What types of fishing nets are there?

The fishing industry employs warp-knitted nets in numerous applications, with the following types being commonly utilised:

Gillnets: These nets typically consist of long, strip-shaped panels laid vertically across fish migration routes or water bodies, trapping fish when their heads or gills become entangled in the mesh. While highly targeted, they may also result in bycatch of non-target species.

Trawl nets: An active and highly efficient fishing method in marine fisheries. Equipped with floats on the upper line and weights on the lower line, the net mouth can open vertically. The net tail forms a closed codend. Towed by fishing vessels, it functions like a large bag, scooping up fish and crustaceans in its path. Depending on the operating water layer, it is further categorised as bottom trawling or midwater trawling.

Surrounding nets: Primarily employed in marine environments, these massive nets can weigh several tonnes or even dozens of tonnes. Upon locating a fish shoal, the net is swiftly deployed to encircle it. Some operations incorporate lighting to attract and prevent the shoal from escaping, before the net is finally hauled in to capture the fish.

Set Nets and Fixed Nets: These passive fishing gear are typically fixed in lakes, reservoirs, or bays. They utilise water currents or lures to guide fish and shrimp into the net, making escape difficult.

Cast nets: These are lightweight, small-scale nets predominantly used in rivers and lakes. Fishermen stand at the bow of a boat or on the shore, forcefully casting the circular net over a school of fish. The lead weights at the net's base cause it to sink rapidly, trapping the fish within.

Cages and Aquaculture Nets: Primarily employed in fish farming, these enclosures confine fish, shrimp, shellfish, and other species within designated water areas to prevent escape. Modern deep-sea aquaculture cages are vast in scale; for instance, the ‘Ocean Farm No. 1’ utilises high-performance UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) warp-knitted netting.

As warp knitting fishing net machine engineers continue to develop advanced weaving techniques, an increasing number of fishing net manufacturers are opting to use machines for net production. Not only are the resulting nets more intricately woven, but efficiency has also been significantly enhanced.