FAO/FIIT Fishing Gear Type Fact-Sheet Stationary uncovered pound nets [FPN] updated : 10-mai-2001 ISSCFG Classification : > Category : Traps > Type : Stationary uncovered pound nets Profile General Description: Stationary uncovered pound nets consist usually of net walls anchored or fixed on stakes, reaching from the bottom to the surface. The nets are open at the surface and include various types of fish herding and retaining devices. They are mostly divided into chambers closed at the bottom by netting. In Japan this group is usually referred to as 'set-nets' (not to be confused with the fixed gillnets). Specific Handling Equipment: These gears are usually hauled by hand. Fishing Vessels using this gear: Usually small size open boats. Fishing Operations: They are set close to the shore line in shallow waters direct in the migration tracks of the fishes. 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 the whole season. Features Target Species: These gears are used especially to catch migrating species, mainly pelagic fish. Areas: all The Gear and its Environment: Deployment Area: Stationary uncovered pound nets are generally operated incoastal zones and shallow waters, either in inland, inestuarine and sea waters. Impact on Aquatic Species: The potentially negative impact produced by this type of gears may result from bycatch/discards of undersize and juvenile specimens, no marketable specimens, non target species, etc.), occasionally, in certain areas, incidental catch of a marine mammal such asseal.