Design Characteristics and Specifications of Gill Net Operated Along the Lower Stretches of Vembanad Wetlands, Kerala, India

Gill net (Locally called odakku vala) design variation, operational techniques, catch composition and selectivity analysis in Vembanad wetland, Kerala was examined between January 2020 to June 2021. Netting materials used for gill net construction in Vembanad Lake were monofilament, multifilament Nylon (polyamide). The Gill net length was 25-55 m with a hung depth of 2-3 m. Gill net was highly species specific and showed selectivity for shallow water species. Its durability ranged from 3.5 months to 2 years depending on the netting material and the environmental conditions where it is being operated. Gill net fishery is one of the main types of artisanal fishery practiced occupationally by the fishermen community of Kerala. The region so far is untouched with the introduction of mechanized fishing apart from small traditionalized improvements. The Gill net was used to catch the fishes of marketable size, small fingerlings which were either used as bait or dried. Instead of using lead or aluminium needles as sinkers many of them were used to carry normal electric wire without copper string inside which reduce their cost of purchase.