A Purse Seiner is a large specialized fishing vessels that is designed to catch fish using a method called purse seine fishing.
It’s an efficient method of fishing but also poses challenges to the sustainability of fish populations and the marine ecosystem.
With advanced technology and skilled crew, these boats travel the ocean to bring in the catch, but their operation is governed by laws and regulations that ensure sustainable use of marine resources, protection of marine ecosystems and the rights of the workers.
What is a Purse Seiner?
A purse seiner, also known as a purse seine fishing vessel, is a type of fishing boat that is used to catch fish in the open ocean.
The name “purse seiner” comes from the method of fishing, which involves surrounding a school of fish with a large net, or seine, and then closing the bottom of the net, or “pursing,” to capture the fish.
Purse seiners are typically large, highly specialized vessels that are equipped with the latest technology to locate, track, and capture fish.
They are equipped with radar, sonar, and other electronic navigation and fish-finding equipment to locate schools of fish.
Once a school of fish is located, the purse seiner will deploy its net, usually using a system of winches and pulleys, to surround the school of fish.
The net is then closed, or pursed, at the bottom to capture the fish.
Purse seine fishing is a very efficient method of fishing, and purse seiners are capable of catching large quantities of fish in a single set.
This type of fishing is typically used to catch pelagic fish, such as tuna, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies, which are found in the open ocean. It is also used to catch certain species of salmon and squid.
Purse seine fishing is a controversial method of fishing, however, due to its potential impact on marine ecosystems and the sustainability of fish populations.
Because purse seiners are able to catch such large quantities of fish in a single set, they can deplete fish populations in a specific area very quickly.
Additionally, purse seine fishing can result in the accidental capture of non-target species, known as bycatch, which can include marine mammals, sea turtles, and other species of fish.
To prevent overfishing and the bycatch, many countries and international organizations have established regulations that limit the size of the nets and the total allowable catch for certain species of fish.
Some countries also have regulations that require the use of devices called “dolphinsavers” to avoid the accidental capture of dolphins.
Many purse seine vessels also have observer on board to monitor the catch and the bycatch.
Despite these regulations, however, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is still a major problem in many parts of the world.
IUU fishing refers to fishing activities that are conducted in violation of national and international laws, and it can have a significant impact on fish populations and marine ecosystems.
In addition to the environmental concerns, purse seine fishing is also a dangerous occupation.
The work is physically demanding, and the crew must handle heavy equipment and navigate in often-rough seas.
The risk of maritime accidents is high, and the work is often done in remote areas where medical help is not readily available.
Despite the challenges and controversies, purse seine fishing remains an important source of food and livelihood for many coastal communities around the world.
Many countries rely heavily on the revenue generated by their fishing industry, and purse seine fishing is a major contributor to the economies of many coastal nations.
How Big is a Purse Seiner?
Purse seiners are typically large vessels that are specifically designed and built for purse seine fishing.
The size of a purse seiner can vary depending on the specific requirements of the fishing operation and the species of fish that are being targeted.
However, in general, purse seiners are quite large, often measuring between 50 to 150 meters in length.
One of the main factors that determines the size of a purse seiner is the size of the net that it uses.
The net must be large enough to effectively surround a school of fish, but it must also be small enough to be easily handled by the crew.
A larger net will require a larger vessel to deploy and retrieve it, while a smaller net can be used on a smaller vessel.
The average size of net for purse seiner is about 1.5km long and 30m deep.
The size of a purse seiner also depends on the species of fish that are being targeted.
For example, purse seiners that target tuna, mackerel, and sardines will typically be smaller than those that target salmon and squid.
This is because the larger species of fish require a larger net to effectively surround them and also require more powerful winches and handling equipment to deploy and retrieve the net.
Another factor that determines the size of a purse seiner is the number of crew members that are needed to operate the vessel.
Larger vessels will typically have a larger crew to handle the equipment and to process and store the catch.
In addition to the size of the vessel, purse seiners are also equipped with a variety of advanced technology to help locate and track fish.
These can include radar, sonar, and other electronic navigation and fish-finding equipment.
The vessel’s engines, winches, and other mechanical equipment are also designed to be powerful enough to handle the demands of purse seine fishing.
Purse seiners are quite expensive, due to the advanced technology and the size of the vessel, and many companies will invest in a vessel that is worth several million dollars.
This is often a significant investment for the fishing companies, but the returns can be significant as well.
Who Works on Purse Seiners?
A purse seiner is a highly specialized fishing vessel that requires a skilled and dedicated crew to operate effectively.
The crew on a purse seiner is responsible for a wide range of tasks, from navigating the vessel and deploying the net to processing and storing the catch.
The captain of a purse seiner is typically the most experienced and senior member of the crew.
They are responsible for the overall operation of the vessel and are in charge of navigation, safety, and the management of the crew.
The captain will also make decisions on when and where to set the net and when to purse the fish.
The deck crew of a purse seiner includes the mate and the deckhands.
The mate is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations on deck, including the deployment and retrieval of the net.
The deckhands are responsible for physically handling the net, operating the winches and other mechanical equipment, and working with the fish once they are brought aboard the vessel.
The engine room crew includes the engineer and the engine room hands.
They are responsible for maintaining and operating the vessel’s engines, generators, and other mechanical equipment.
The engine room crew is also responsible for the electricity, water supply, and the propulsion of the vessel.
The processing crew includes the fish processor and the processing hands.
They are responsible for sorting, cleaning, and packaging the fish once they are brought aboard the vessel.
They are also responsible for the maintenance of the fish holds, where the fish are stored.
The galley crew includes the cook and the galley hands. They are responsible for preparing meals for the crew, and for maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen and dining area.
A purse seiner will also typically have a radio operator who is responsible for maintaining communication with shore and other vessels.
It is important to note that the crew on a purse seiner will be working long hours in often harsh conditions, and the work can be physically demanding.
In addition, the crew must be able to work well as a team, as the success of a purse seine fishing operation depends on the coordination of all crew members.
In addition to the traditional roles, some purse seiner also have an observer on board.
Observers are biologists, marine scientists or trained professionals that have the responsibility to monitor the catch, the bycatch and the fishing gear, and to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and international agreements.
They are essential to make sure the fishing operation is sustainable and it is essential to have them to make sure that there is no illegal or unregulated fishing.
What Laws Apply to Purse Seiners?
Purse seiners are subject to a wide range of laws and regulations that aim to protect fish populations, marine ecosystems, and the rights of the workers on board.
These laws and regulations are implemented by national governments and international organizations, and they vary depending on the country or region where the purse seiner is operating.
One of the most important laws that apply to purse seiners is the law of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The EEZ is a maritime zone extending 200 nautical miles from the baseline of a coastal state, and within this area, the state has special rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage the natural resources.
This means that each country has the rights to regulate the fishing activities within their EEZ, including the purse seine fishing, and this also means that the vessel needs to have authorization from the country to operate within the zone.
Another important set of laws that apply to purse seiners are the laws and regulations related to fishing quotas.
Fishing quotas are used to manage fish populations and ensure sustainable use of the resource, and they are established by governments and international organizations.
These quotas limit the total amount of fish that can be caught by a purse seiner in a specific period of time and also include quotas for bycatch species.
Fishing quotas are an important tool in the management of fish stocks and it’s important to be aware of the quotas and follow them.
In addition to the fishing quotas, many countries also have regulations that limit the size of the nets used by purse seiners, in an effort to reduce the impact of fishing on non-target species and the marine ecosystem.
These regulations can also require the use of devices such as “dolphinsaver” to avoid the accidental capture of marine mammals.
Another important set of laws that apply to purse seiners are the labor laws.
These laws cover issues such as working conditions, wages, and safety for the crew members on board.
They also include regulations related to safety and emergency response, in order to protect the lives and well-being of the crew members.
Many countries and international organizations also have regulations to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
IUU fishing refers to fishing activities that are conducted in violation of national and international laws and can have a significant impact on fish populations and marine ecosystems.
Regulations aim to prevent IUU fishing by strengthening surveillance and control, by increasing penalties and sanctions, and by providing technical assistance and capacity building.
In addition, as a responsible industry, some purse seiner companies have also implemented their own sustainability policies, to ensure they operate with minimal impact on the marine environment, and to adhere to regulations and standards set by national and international organizations.
Wrapping Up: Purse Seiners
Purse seiners play an important role in the fishing industry, providing a vital source of food and livelihood for many coastal communities around the world.
However, this type of fishing also poses a risk to marine ecosystems and fish populations, if not managed properly.
To ensure sustainable use of the resources, laws and regulations are put in place, managed by national governments and international organizations.
In addition to the laws and regulations, companies in the industry are also implementing their own sustainable policies to ensure the responsible use of marine resources.
To be successful, a purse seiner operation needs to be aware of and follow these laws and regulations, as well as to work towards protecting the marine environment, the fish populations, and the rights of the workers.
