A purse seine is a type of fishing net used to catch schools of fish. It consists of a large wall of netting that is deployed around a school of fish, typically from a boat. The bottom of the net is then drawn together, or "pursed," to trap the fish inside. This method is effective for catching species like tuna and sardines. Purse seining is often used in commercial fishing due to its efficiency and ability to capture large quantities of fish at once. However, it can also lead to bycatch, which includes unintended species caught in the net. Sustainable practices are important to minimize environmental impact.