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driftnet

driftnet

1 5.5
A large fishing net that floats and moves with the water to catch fish
  • noun
  • /ˈdrɪftnɛt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : red de deriva
  • However, large-scale salmon, tuna, and billfish driftnet fisheries also operate within the EEZ.
  • driftnet fisheries
  • driftnet fishing
  • driftnet fishermen

Examples

  • Fishermen often use a driftnet to catch fish as it floats along with the current.

  • Consequently, the length of their driftnets, although not restricted by law, usually ranges from 100 to 1,000 m.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The two sides discussed the high-seas driftnet issue.

    Academic text (1990)
  • One of the entangled dolphins was rescued from the driftnet.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Internationally, Canada has called for a moratorium on all large-scale driftnet fishing by June 30, 1992.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Japanese fishermen have used driftnets in Japanese waters under prefectural license for about 100 years.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Driftnets are used to capture many types of fish, including tuna, swordfish, and salmon.

    Academic text (2017)
  • The tops of driftnets are equipped with floats, and weights are attached to the bottoms, creating a vertical wall in the water.

    Academic text (2017)
  • The driftnet is designed to capture a variety of fish while drifting in the ocean.

  • After deploying the driftnet, they waited patiently as it caught fish in the water.

Synonyms

fishing net
vsdriftnet
5 1.4

A net people pull through water to catch fish

is used while floating and drifting rather than being pulled through water
drift net
vsdriftnet
  • Specialized
3 5.1

A large fishing net that floats and moves with the water to catch fish

is the same but written as one word
fishnet
vsdriftnet
2 1.6

A net made of thin threads used to catch fish

focuses on floating freely and drifting with the current

Surface Forms

driftnet singular
driftnets plural

Morphology

driftnet = drift + net (transparent) = drift + net

The meaning is a straightforward compound 'drift' + 'net' — a net that drifts with the current.

Etymology

Driftnet comes from two simple words, drift and net. Drift means 'to be carried by water or wind' and net means 'a fishing net', so a driftnet is a net that floats and is carried by the water to catch fish.