FAO/FIIT Fishing Gear Type Fact-Sheet Encircling gillnets [GNC] updated : 10-mai-2001 ISSCFG Classification : > Category : Gillnets and entangling nets > Type : Encircling gillnets Profile General Description: Encircling gillnets are gillnets set vertical, in shallow waters, encircling fish. After the fish has been encircled by the net, noise or other means are used to force them to gill or entangle themselves in the netting. It is a technology commonly used by groups of small-scale fishermen (or women). Specific Handling Equipment: No specific equipment is required. Fishing Vessels using this gear: In certain situations, small open boats orcanoes used to set the net around the fish. Fishing Operations: A certain area is encircled by the net, noise or other means (frequently, by fishers moving themselves in the water) are used to scare the fish to gill or entangle themselves in the netting surrounding them. Features Target Species: Pelagic and demersal very shallow waters species Areas: all The Gear and its Environment: Deployment Area: This gear is generally used in shallow water with the floatline remaining at the surface. Encircling gillnets are employed in inland and coastal waters. Impact on the Environment: The negative impact on the environment is low. The fishers are in a permanent contact with the gear. The gear is set and immediately after scaring the fishes the gear is hauled in. Therefore all fishes are alive and not marketable fishes can be set back.