LONGLINING Meaning and
Definition
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Longlining is a fishing technique that involves using a long fishing line, typically several kilometers in length, with numerous baited hooks attached at regular intervals. It is primarily used in commercial fishing operations targeting various types of fish such as tuna, swordfish, halibut, and cod, among others. The main purpose of longlining is to catch large quantities of fish more efficiently and cover a wider area of the ocean.
The longline setup consists of a main fishing line, often made of monofilament or braided material, with smaller branch lines, called snoods, attached to it. These snoods are spaced along the main line, each bearing a baited hook. The longline is deployed into the water and left to drift or be anchored, depending on the fishing location and target species. Once the hooks are set, fishermen periodically retrieve the line, carefully removing any captured fish and re-baiting the hooks before re-deploying.
Longlining can be a highly effective fishing method, as it maximizes the amount of potential catches, capitalizing on the fish's feeding behavior and their attraction to the baited hooks. However, it is worth noting that this technique can also have negative environmental impacts, such as accidentally catching non-target species (known as bycatch) or causing damage to seafloor habitats. As a result, some regulations and sustainable practices have been implemented in order to mitigate these issues and ensure the long-term viability of longlining.
Etymology of LONGLINING
The word "longlining" is derived from the term "longline", which refers to a type of fishing gear. The term "longline" originated from the combination of the words "long" and "line". The longline is a fishing method that involves using a long main fishing line with numerous baited hooks attached along its length. This technique allows fishermen to cover a larger area of the ocean or fishing grounds compared to traditional methods such as handline fishing. Over time, the term "longlining" emerged as a verb to describe the act of fishing using this specific gear.
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