FAO/FIIT Fishing Gear Type Fact-Sheet Ring nets [RN] updated : 25-avril-2001 ISSCFG Classification : > Category : Surrounding nets > Type : Ring nets Profile General Description: A ring net is a surrounding net the form of which is intermediate hybrid between a purse seine and a lampara net : like on a purse seine, rings at the lower edge of the net, allow using a purse line to close it under the fish (pursing) and like on a lampara net, there is a central bunt (with smaller mesh) in which the capture concentrates as the two wings are hauled together and the leadline being shorter than the floatline give some how a spoon-shape as in lamapara net. Specific Handling Equipment: A small capstan and a derrick are usually all the special equipment required. The fish is removed from the net by means of a scoop net or brailer. Fishing Vessels using this gear: Vessels using ring net are usually small and simple in respect to equipment, a range around 12 to 24 meters length . Fishing Operations: Most ring net boats work on two-boat system which is much handier when the net has to be towed. When a suitable shoal of fish is located and both vessels are ready, the first vessel will drop its marker light over the side and proceed round one side of the shoal, paying out bridles and net. After the aggregated fish has been surrounded, the purse line is hauled for pursing/closing the bottom of the net. Then the two wings are pulled on board at the same time and the fish concentrate in the central bunt. Finally, the catch if taken from the bunt, aside of the boat, by using a scoop net. Features Target Species: Pelagic fish Areas: all The Gear and its Environment: Deployment Area: The gear is only used to catch fish close to the water surface, in both marine and inland waters. Impact on Aquatic Species: The potential negative impact may come from occasional bycatch/discards effects (undersize specimens, no marketable specimens, non target species, etc.).