Chinese fishing nets

Chinese fishing net inKollam,Kerala, India

Chinese fishing net. Ablue hourview fromMarine Drive,Kochi

Chinese fishing nets(Cheena valain India ortangkulin Indonesia) are a type of stationarylift netinIndiaandIndonesia.They arefishing netsthat are fixed land installations forfishing.While commonly known as "Chinese fishing nets" in India, the more formal name for such nets is "shore operatedlift nets".Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen. While such nets are used throughout coastalsouthern ChinaandIndochina,in India they are mostly found in theIndiancities ofKochiandKollam,where they have become a tourist attraction.This way of fishing is unusual in India and almost unique to the area, as it was introduced by Chinese explorers who landed there in the 14th century. Indeed, one interpretation of the city name Kochi is ‘co-chin', meaning ‘like China.’

The system is sufficiently balanced that the weight of a man walking along the main beam is sufficient to cause the net to descend into the sea. The net is left for a short time, possibly just a few minutes, before it is raised by pulling on ropes. The catch is usually modest: a fewfishandcrustaceans,which may be sold to passers-by within minutes.

Rocks, each 30 cm or so in diameter, are suspended from ropes of different lengths. As the net is raised, some of the rocks one-by-one come to rest on a platform thereby keeping everything in balance.

Each installation has a limited operating depth. Consequently, an individual net cannot be continually operated in tidal waters. Different installations will be operated depending on the state of the tide.

The nets may have been introduced by theChineseexplorerZheng He.

The Chinese fishing nets have become a very popular tourist attraction. Their size and elegant construction are photogenic and the slow rhythm of their operation is quite hypnotic. In addition, catches can be purchased individually and need be taken only a short distance to a street entrepreneur who will cook them.

Gallery

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  Chinese fishing nets atKochi
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  Raising the net
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  Fishing net atFort Kochi
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  Shore based lift nets inCà Mau,Vietnam.
• Chinese Fishing nets at Kochi, Kerala

See also

• Fishing in India

External links

• Zheng He and Kochi
• Short documentary about Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi