Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fisheries and

for a world without hunger Aquaculture Department

Fishing Gear Types

Fyke nets

Fyke nets

ISSCFG code: 08.3 – standard abbreviation: FYK

Characteristics
Overview 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.
Handling Equipment These gears are usually hauled by hand.

Vessel Overview Usually small sized open boats, if any.

Fish Operation 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.
Target Species Coastal species and euryhaline species.

Water Area Overview All over the world.

Gear Environment Fyke nets are generally operated in coastal zone sand shallow waters, either in inland, in
estuarine and sea waters. They are usually set in contact to the bottom, in areas with strong currents.
Impacts

SpeciesThe principal potential problem concerning the impact produced by this type of gears may be
some some bycatch (with undersize and juvenile specimens) being discarded.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department