Seine fishing

Fishermen horse seining for salmon on the Columbia River, nd (COBB 99)

Purse seining boat, location unknown, nd (COBB 314)

Drum net seiner

Seine fishing is a method of fishing that employs a fishing net called a seine, which is deployed to encircle and capture a school of fish. The technique is ancient, dating back to at least the Stone Age, and has been used around the world in various forms. Seine nets can be used in both freshwater and marine environments and are particularly effective in capturing large quantities of fish. The method involves two types of seines: beach seines, which are pulled ashore, and boat seines, also known as purse seines, which are operated from boats.

History

Seine fishing has a long history, with evidence suggesting its use in prehistoric times. Ancient civilizations, including those of Egypt and Greece, depicted seine fishing in their art, indicating its importance as a fishing method. Over the centuries, seine fishing has evolved with advancements in boat design and net making, allowing for larger catches and more efficient fishing operations.

Techniques

Beach Seining

Beach seining involves dragging a net along the bottom of a body of water from the shore. The net, which is equipped with floats at the top and weights at the bottom, is laid out in a semicircle and then pulled in manually or with the help of vehicles. This method is often used in shallow waters to catch fish near the shore.

Purse Seining

Purse seining is a technique used in deeper waters from a boat. The seine net is deployed around a school of fish, and its bottom is then drawn together like a drawstring bag, trapping the fish. This method is highly effective for capturing large schools of pelagic fish such as tuna and mackerel. Purse seining can be done using sonar and other technologies to locate fish schools before deploying the net.

Environmental Impact

While seine fishing is efficient, it has raised environmental concerns. The method can result in bycatch, the capture of non-target species, which can affect marine biodiversity. Additionally, beach seining can disturb marine habitats in coastal areas. Regulations and sustainable fishing practices have been implemented in some regions to minimize the impact of seine fishing on marine ecosystems.

Regulations

Many countries have regulations governing seine fishing to ensure sustainability and protect marine environments. These regulations may include limits on the size of the nets, restrictions on where and when seine fishing can occur, and measures to reduce bycatch. Fishermen engaging in seine fishing may be required to obtain licenses and adhere to specific guidelines to minimize the environmental impact of their activities.

Conclusion

Seine fishing remains a vital fishing method worldwide, providing significant amounts of fish for consumption and trade. However, the sustainability of seine fishing depends on responsible practices and adherence to regulations designed to protect marine ecosystems. As such, the future of seine fishing will likely involve continued efforts to balance the needs of the fishing industry with the preservation of marine biodiversity.

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