Gill nets are a type of fishing gear made of mesh netting that is designed to catch fish by their gills. The net is set vertically in the water, allowing fish to swim into it. Once they attempt to pass through, their gills get caught in the mesh, preventing them from escaping. Gill nets can vary in size and mesh opening, depending on the target species.
These nets are commonly used in both commercial and recreational fishing. While effective for catching various fish species, gill nets can also unintentionally trap other marine animals, leading to concerns about bycatch and environmental impact.