8.1   Portable Liftnets

           8.1.1Crab liftnets

       The gear consists of a sheet of netting supported by bamboo frames which effect the capture of crab by entanglement as the net is lifted to the sea surface. The frame is usually square, 40-60 cm. along the sides. The height for the frame varies from 7-20 cm. and measure 70 cm. by 1 cm. diameter. The net is either nylon monofilament or multifilament 210d/3 and PA mono f .25-.50 mm with 30-76 mm. mesh size. A retrieving line made of PE f 4 mm. with styrofoam or bamboo floats is tied to the center of the frame. Stone or lead weights are tied at the tips of the bamboo frames.

          Bait is provided at the center of the frame during operation. Normally, liftnets can be operated or set without bait. The fishermen can operate the gear in shallow water, from a rowing banca or by simply walking along the shore. The set liftnets are inspected very often to determine if there is a catch. Catch consists primarily of mangrove crab and blue swimming crab. Fishing is done is the day or night time, all year round.

              8.1.2 Shrimp liftnet

             The gear resembles the structure of the crab liftnet but with longer frames and bigger netting. The bamboo frame measures 2.6 meters long by 1.5 cm. diameter with a height of 1.1 meters. The net is made of nylon mono 0.7 mm. or nylon multifilament 210d/2 with 10 mm. mesh size. It is square, being 75 cm. on all sides. Along the bamboo frames at 60 cm. above the net are stones weighing 100-200 grams.

             The gear is provided with some boiled fish as bait at the center of the frame and is set along the river during night time with one fisherman setting 10 units. Caught shrimps and goby are used as baits for bottom set longline.