Commercial Fishing Techniques and Methods

Commercial Fishing

The aim of this modern form of fishing is the large-scale sale of the catch. It is common in developed countries. In commercial fishing, there are also different techniques for catching the fish. Two are especially worth noting: trawling and electrofishing with suction.

DISTANCE TO THE COAST

Coastal fishing:This is done in large bodies of fresh water or in the ocean near the coast. Boats go out for one or two days. They are small and use nets and paternoster lines, long fishing lines with several branches ending in a hook. This type of fishing does not employ a lot of technology.

Deep-sea fishing: This is done exclusively in the open sea by fleets equipped with sonar and radar to detect shoals of fish. The ships are very large and spend months fishing at sea. The catch is transported on factory ships, which are equipped to sail for long periods of time and to process and freeze the fish.

FISHING TECHNIQUES

Trawling:This method uses large nets in the shape of a funnel. They are dropped by fishing boats known as trawlers, which drag the nets through the water.

Electrofishing with suction:A device generates electrical discharges in the water to direct fish towards the fishing boats. They are equipped with a large funnel which sucks them up.

Aquaculture (No Fishing)

In recent decades, aquaculture has become increasingly important. This involves raising fish, crustaceans, molluscs and algae in facilities that includeraftsfor farming mussels to ocean and river fish farms used to grow algae, trout, gilthead (dorada), sea bream, turbot, etc.

Traditional fishing

This type of fishing uses traditional fishing tackle such as nets, harpoons, hooks and fish pots. Traditional ocean fishing is found in less developed countries. Its main purpose isself-consumptionor to supplylocal markets.

Harpoonsare thrown at the prey, and the tip stays hooked in the body. Today there are modern harpoons for hunting whales that are launched from cannons.

Afish potis a funnel-shaped trap. Bait is placed inside to attract the catch. Once the prey has entered the pot, it cannot get out.

Ahookis a type of tackle used in pole fishing. The hook is attached to a fishing line or string. A piece of bait is put on the hook to attract fish and catch them.

Shellfishinginvolves catching molluscs and crustaceans along the coast or in nearby waters. This is also practised on a commercial scale.

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