2.1 Commercial Fishing Vessels
This chapter covers commercial fishing vessels, exploring the various types, their defining characteristics, specificities, and equipment.
Types of Commercial Fishing Vessels
The specific vessel used for commercial fishing depends on the target catch and fishing method.
Common types include:
Trawlers: These vessels drag large nets across the seabed, targeting bottom-dwelling fish like cod, shrimp, and flatfish.
Seiners: These vessels use large encircling nets to capture schools of fish near the water surface. Purse seiners are a common type, using purse lines to close the bottom of the net, trapping the catch.
Longliners: These vessels deploy long fishing lines equipped with multiple baited hooks, targeting specific fish species such as tuna and swordfish.
Pot and Trap Vessels: These vessels utilize baited pots or traps lowered on lines or tethered to the seabed to catch crustaceans like lobster, crab, and shrimp.
Pelagic Longlining Vessels: As opposed to bottom longliners, these vessels deploy longlines in the open water column, targeting fish species like tuna and swordfish that migrate vertically.
Built for the Catch: Characteristics and Specificities
Commercial fishing vessels share some common characteristics, but also have specific features depending on their purpose:
Size and Capacity: Fishing vessels range from small, inshore boats to large, ocean-going factory ships with onboard processing facilities. Size is determined by target catch, fishing duration, and processing needs.
Deck Space: Fishing vessels require ample deck space for hauling, storing, and processing nets, pots, or lines. The layout of the deck optimizes these activities for efficiency and safety.
Navigation and Communication Systems: Accurate navigation and reliable communication are crucial for safe operation, finding fishing grounds, and staying connected with shore authorities.
Essential Equipment
The equipment onboard a commercial fishing vessel varies depending on the fishing method, but some common examples include:
Nets, Lines, and Traps: The primary gear used for catching fish. Nets come in various sizes and configurations, while lines can be miles long and equipped with hundreds of hooks. Traps and pots are designed to attract and hold specific target species.
Winches and Hauling Gear: Powerful winches are essential for hauling in heavy nets, lines, and pots. Hydraulic or electric winches are commonly used, with booms or cranes assisting in deployment and retrieval.
Fish Sorting and Processing Equipment: Larger vessels may have onboard processing facilities, including sorting machines, filleting lines, and freezing equipment to preserve the catch at sea.
Navigation and Communication Systems: Radar, GPS, and communication equipment ensure safe navigation, efficient route planning, and communication with other vessels and shore authorities.