PURSE SEINER Meaning and
Definition
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A purse seiner is a type of fishing vessel used in commercial fishing that specializes in catching fish in large quantities. The term "purse seiner" originates from the technique known as purse seining, which involves deploying a long, cylindrical net around a school of fish and then enclosing the bottom of the net, akin to pulling the drawstring of a purse, to capture the fish.
A purse seiner is designed to efficiently carry out this fishing method. These vessels are equipped with extensive fishing gear, including a large, heavy-duty net, which is typically several hundred meters long. The net is rigged with floats along the top to keep it suspended in the water, and weights or a lower section of netting called a "purse line" along the bottom to close the net once the fish are surrounded.
Purse seiners are often utilized in the commercial fishing industry to target various species of fish, such as tuna, sardines, and anchovies. Their versatility allows them to operate in various environments, including coastal waters and open seas. These vessels often feature advanced technology and equipment to aid in fish detection and tracking, including sonar systems and fish finders.
Due to their efficiency in capturing large quantities of fish, purse seiners have been a subject of debate regarding their potential impact on fish stocks and ecosystem balance. Proper management and regulation of purse seine fishing are crucial to ensure sustainable practices and fishery conservation.
Etymology of PURSE SEINER
The word "purse seiner" has its etymology rooted in the fishing industry.
The term "purse seine" originated from the Dutch word "purse", which means "closure" or "bag". In fishing, a purse seine is a type of net that is used to surround and capture large schools of fish. The net is equipped with a drawstring-like device at the bottom known as a "purse line", which can be closed to trap the fish inside.
The term "seiner" refers to a person or a boat involved in the act of operating a seine net. It comes from the French word "sein", which means "a large net" or "a dragnet".
Combining these two elements, "purse seiner" essentially refers to a fishing vessel that utilizes a purse seine net for capturing fish in commercial fishing operations.
