Quick Answer
Local Regulations Affect Seine Net Fishing by limiting the mesh size, material, and length of the net, as well as restricting the areas where they can be used, and the species that can be caught.
Permits and Licenses
In the United States, for example, a commercial seine net fisherman may need to obtain a federal permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service as well as a state or local commercial fishing license. These permits and licenses can be expensive, with costs ranging from $100 to $10,000 per year. In addition, fishermen must comply with federal and state regulations governing minimum mesh sizes, which can range from 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in diameter.
Environmental and Conservation Regulations
Seine net fishing is also subject to environmental and conservation regulations, such as restrictions on the use of certain gear types in sensitive habitats or during sensitive times of year. For example, in Alaska, seine net fishing is prohibited in certain areas during the summer months to protect salmon and other species from overfishing. Fishermen must also comply with regulations governing bycatch, or the catching of non-target species, which can include sea turtles, marine mammals, and other protected species.
Gear and Mesh Regulations
The type and size of mesh used in a seine net can also be regulated. For example, in some areas, fishermen are required to use a specific type of mesh that allows juvenile fish to escape. In other areas, there may be restrictions on the maximum size of the mesh, which can range from 1 to 6 inches (2.5 to 15 cm) in diameter. Additionally, the length of the net can be limited to a maximum of 1,000 feet (305 meters) or more, depending on the location and type of fish being targeted.
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