8.3   Stationary Liftnets

            The stationary liftnet is usually set in shallow waters. The depth of the gear depends on the length of bamboo or palm stakes which serve as the posts. The framework consists of two or more rows of bamboos set parallel to each other and have four equal sides, permanently stacked on the seabed. The two rows are supported with braces and catwalks, one meter above the highest tide where fishermen lift the net. The posts are provided with pulleys and rings where the pull ropes pass through. In some structures, a platform is constructed where a manual winch is installed for hauling operations. Other areas have corner posts provided with a vertical rope with a 50 kg weight at the end where the ring of the pull ropes passes through during hauling.

             The size of the net depends on the length, width and depth of the bamboo structure, or framework. Generally, a stationary liftnet has a length of 10-15 meters and a width of 10-14 meters and is 5 to 10 meters deep. The material for the net can be either PE 380/6-9 with 0.2 mm. mesh size, 400d/6, 4 mm. minnow net or nylon multifilament 210d/9 with 16 mm. mesh size. Sometimes, the fine meshed B-net is used to catch anchovies. A kerosene lamp or pressurized gas lamp is used for attraction and is hung at the center of the structure. The corner ends of the bagnet for tying the pull ropes are provided with 2-3 stone or lead weights to facilitate sinking of the net. When the fish numbers are sufficient, the pull ropes are hauled until the bag portion is brought to the banca. Several sets can be conducted during the night depending on the abundance of fish schools. Major species caught are anchovies, sardines, scad and mackerels. Stationary liftnets are mostly distributed in the Davao Gulf , Sorsogon, Bohol , Iloilo , Negros , Palawan , Capiz, and Quezon.