Fish Population Dynamic and Stock Assessment

5.1.5. Gill Net selectivity

A gill net is made up of a long rectangular web of netting which is set in the water to a vertical wall. A buoyant headrope and a weighted foot rope ensure that the net wall remains in a vertical position.

Catching process

Fish are caught in a gill net in one of three ways.

• Wedging: a fish is held tight around the body by a mesh.
• Gilling: a fish enters the net but it is too large to pass through and is prevented from retreating by twine that catches the fish behind its gills.
• Tangling: The fish has not necessarily penetrated a mesh but is caught in the net by teeth, maxillaries or other projections.