FISHING GEAR AND FISHING METHODS 



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Improvements in the fisheries of the Mediterranean area, particularly in Spain, 

 France, Italy, and Greece, have been brought about within the past 15 years by 

 the introduction of powered vessels; this has permitted a greater exploitation of 

 the natural resources. The expansion of the offshore fisheries can be largely at- 



HOfis 



Fig. 13-36. Representative types of gear employed in the fisheries 

 of the South Pacific Islands. 



tributed to the use of otter trawls and purse seines although hand lines, gill nets, 

 trap nets, etc., are widely used. 



In recent years, particularly since the end of World War II, otter trawls 

 have been introduced into the fisheries of South Africa, Egypt, India, and East 

 Africa. This form of gear is operated from powered trawlers and has proved most 

 successful. 



Commercial, as well as subsistence fisheries throughout the South Pacific 

 Islands, where the inhabitants are dependent upon fish as a source of food as well 

 as a livelihood, have seen a similar expansion. This, too, can be largely attributed 

 to the adoption of more eflScient gear. 



