The spelling of "purse seine" is phonetically transcribed as /pərs seɪn/. "Purse" is spelled with a "u" but is pronounced with the "er" vowel sound, while "seine" is spelled with an "ei" but is pronounced with the "ay" diphthong. A purse seine is a type of fishing net that is used to encircle large schools of fish and then pulled shut like a drawstring bag, thus the name "purse." This term is commonly used in the fishing industry.
A purse seine refers to a type of commercial fishing net that is particularly designed to encircle a large school of fish in order to capture them efficiently. It is characterized by its large size and cylindrical shape, with floats attached to the float line on top and weights attached to the lead line at the bottom to keep the net submerged and prevent fish from escaping.
The operation of a purse seine involves several steps. Initially, a vessel encircles the targeted area or school of fish by deploying the net. Then, the bottom of the net is closed off by pulling on a drawstring or "purse line," which forms a purse-like shape enclosing the fish. This effectively traps the fish inside the net. Following this, the catch is then hauled aboard the fishing vessel using winches and cranes.
Purse seines are commonly used to harvest various pelagic species, such as tuna, herring, mackerel, and sardine. They are particularly effective for capturing large quantities of fish in a single haul, making them a popular choice in commercial fishing. Furthermore, purse seines have the advantage of being able to selectively target specific fish sizes and species, which reduce bycatch and can contribute to sustainable fishing practices. However, their use has raised concerns regarding the potential impact on non-targeted species and the environment, leading to ongoing debates about their regulation and management.
The word "purse seine" has its origins in the Middle English language. "Purse" refers to a small bag or pouch used to hold money or valuables, while "seine" comes from the Old English word "sægen" or "segne", meaning "a large fishing net".
The term "purse seine" was first recorded in the 15th century and described a type of fishing net shaped like a bag or purse. It had a bottom drawn together to capture fish within its enclosed area. Over time, this specific type of net became associated with large-scale commercial fishing, thus the term "purse seine" was adopted to refer to the net itself and the fishing method it represented.
The word "purse" in this context may have been used due to the shape of the net resembling a small bag or purse when fully deployed.