FAO/FIIT Fishing Gear Type Fact-Sheet Fyke nets [FYK] updated : 10-mai-2001 ISSCFG Classification : > Category : Traps > Type : Fyke nets Profile General Description: A fyke net is a fish trap. It consists of cylindrical or cone-shaped netting bags mounted on rings or other rigid structures. It has wings or leaders which guide the fish towards the entrance of the bags. The fyke nets are fixed on the bottom by anchors, ballast or stakes. Specific Handling Equipment: These gears are usually hauled by hand. Fishing Vessels using this gear: Usually small sized open boats, if any. Fishing Operations: The fish enters voluntarily, but is hampered from coming out. Fishermen visit traps every day collecting only the captures and leaving the gears set in the same place for several days. The fyke nets may be used separately or in groups. Features Target Species: Coastal species and euryhaline species. Areas: all over the world The Gear and its Environment: Deployment Area: Fyke nets are generally operated incoastal zones andshallow waters, either in inland, inestuarine and sea waters. They are usually set in contact to the bottom, in areas with strong currents. Impact on Aquatic Species: The principal potential problem concerning the impact produced by this type of gears may be some some bycatch (with undersize and juvenile specimens) being discarded.