A drift net is a type of fishing gear that consists of a long, vertical net that is suspended in the water column. It is designed to catch fish by entangling them as they swim into the net. Drift nets can be made from various materials and can vary in size, often extending for miles. They are typically deployed in open waters and rely on ocean currents to drift with the flow. The use of drift nets has raised environmental concerns due to their potential to catch non-target species, including marine mammals and sea turtles. This bycatch can lead to significant declines in these populations, prompting regulations and bans in some regions to protect vulnerable species and promote sustainable fishing practices.