The Handbook of Fishing Gears Used by the EU Fleet offers an in-depth look at the diverse tools and techniques used in European fisheries
In an effort to enhance understanding and sustainable management of marine resources, the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Structural and Cohesion Policies has released a comprehensive handbook detailing the various fishing gears employed by the European Union fleet.
The handbook, titled “Research for PECH Committee: Handbook of Fishing Gears Used by the EU Fleet,” offers an in-depth look at the diverse tools and techniques used in European fisheries.
A Comprehensive Overview
This handbook is designed to serve as an essential resource for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders. It categorizes and explains the fishing gears based on the latest International Standard Statistical Classification of Fishing Gear (ISSCFG) from 2016. The document meticulously outlines the essentials of each gear, including its design, operation method, target species, and the main EU fishing fleets that utilize it.
Key Features of the Handbook
The handbook categorizes fishing gears into several main types, each with specific characteristics and applications:
- Surrounding Nets: Including purse seines and other surrounding nets without purse lines, primarily used for catching pelagic species.
- Seine Nets: Such as beach seines and boat seines (Danish, Scottish, and pair seines), effective for a range of species.
- Trawls: Encompassing beam trawls, otter trawls, and pair trawls, these are widely used for both demersal and pelagic fish.
- Dredges: Used for harvesting benthic species, with varieties like towed, hand, and mechanized dredges.
- Lift Nets: Both boat-operated and shore-operated, these nets are suitable for specific pelagic species.
- Gillnets and Entangling Gear: Including set gillnets, drift gillnets, and trammel nets, these are passive gears relying on the movement of fish.
- Traps: Such as stationary uncovered pound nets, pots, and fyke nets, designed to catch a range of species by trapping them.
- Hooks and Lines: This category includes handlines, pole-and-lines, longlines, vertical lines, and trolling lines, each targeting different species based on depth and behavior.
- Miscellaneous Gear: Includes harpoons, hand implements, and diving methods.
Multilingual and Accessible
To cater to the diverse linguistic landscape of the EU, the handbook provides the names of each fishing gear in multiple languages, including Danish, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, and Portuguese. This multilingual approach ensures accessibility and usability across different member states.
Supporting Sustainable Fisheries
The release of this handbook aligns with the EU’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management. By providing detailed information on the fishing gears and their impact, the document aims to support the development of policies that promote the sustainable use of marine resources and the protection of marine ecosystems.
Conclusion
The “Handbook of Fishing Gears Used by the EU Fleet” stands as a vital tool for anyone involved in the fisheries sector. Its detailed descriptions and comprehensive coverage of fishing methods used in the EU fleet make it an indispensable resource for fostering sustainable fishing practices and informed policy-making.