FAO/FIIT Fishing Gear Type Fact-Sheet Driftnets [GND] updated : 10-mai-2001 ISSCFG Classification : > Category : Gillnets and entangling nets > Type : Driftnets Profile General Description: Driftnets consist of a string of gillnets kept more or less vertical by floats on the upper line (headrope) and weights on the lower line (groundrope) (sometimes the groundrope is without weights), drifting with the current, in general near the surface or in mid-water. Specific Equipment: Small solid floats, usually made of plastic or of cork are attached to the headrope and lead weights are evenly distributed along the groundrope. Commonly are the lead attached to the core of the groundrope. Specific Handling Equipment: For setting and hauling driftnetsnet haulers are usually employed. Thedrifter capstan on the forepart of the vessel is typical for driftnetters. In developing countries most nets are commonly hauled by hand. Fishing Vessels using this gear: Driftnetters Fishing Operations: These nets drift freely with the current connected to the operating vessel. The method of capture is by gilling and driftnets are highly size selective on the targeted species. Features Target Species: Driftnets are especially used to catch schooling pelagic species likeherring,mackerel andsardines, but also forsalmon andtuna and pelagic squid are captured with such gears. Areas: all The Gear and its Environment: Deployment Area: Driftnets are kept near the surface, or a certain distance below it. They are especially employed in marine waters. Impact on Aquatic Species: The principal negative environmental impact produced by this type of nets is related to the bycatch. of non-target species like marine mammals, seabirds and to a minor extent turtles. In general gillnets are a fishing gears with a high degree of size selectivity for fish, efficiently regulated by the meshsize. It is also a gear with low energy consumption calculated on the relationship of fuel/fish. Various instruments are developed to reduce the negative impact of drift netting on the non-targeted biological resources. In 1991, the United Nations banned the use of large scale high seas driftnets over 2.5 kilometers long. Prior to the UN driftnet ban, these nets were of enormous proportions reaching lengths of 40 to 60 km. Despite the UN ban on large scale drift nets, serious concerns exist regarding ongoing violations.