Drift netting is a fishing technique that involves using large nets that drift with ocean currents to catch fish. These nets can be several miles long and are typically made of nylon or other synthetic materials. They are designed to entangle fish as they swim into the net, making it an effective method for capturing various species, including tuna, salmon, and herring.
While drift netting can yield large catches, it has raised environmental concerns due to the unintentional capture of non-target species, known as bycatch. This practice can harm marine ecosystems and lead to the decline of certain populations, prompting regulations in many regions to limit its use and promote sustainable fishing practices.