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Purse seines are used in the open ocean to target dense schools of single-species pelagic (midwater) fish like tuna and mackerel.

A vertical net ‘curtain’ is used to surround the school of fish, the bottom of which is then drawn together to enclose the fish, rather like tightening the cords of a drawstring purse. 

Purse Seine fishing gear illustration

Purse-seine fishing in open water is generally considered to be an efficient form of fishing. It has no contact with the seabed and can have low levels of bycatch (accidental catch of unwanted species).

Purse seines can also be used to catch fish congregating around fish aggregating devices. This fishing method can result in higher levels of bycatch.

MSC certified fisheries using purse seines must ensure that they leave enough fish in the ocean to reproduce. This can be achieved by using a mesh size large enough to allow smaller fish to swim free.

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Fish aggregating devices (FADs)

Fish aggregating devices (FADs)

Is FAD fishing sustainable? Find out why FADs are so frequently used to catch tuna and how they can be used sustainably.

Pelagic trawl fishing

Pelagic trawl fishing

Pelagic trawls are cone-shaped nets that are towed along behind one or two boats. They are designed to target fish in the mid and surface water.

Gillnet fishing

Gillnet fishing

Gillnet fishing uses a ‘wall’ or ‘curtain' of netting that hangs in the water. Gillnets generally have low environmental impacts and don't touch the seabed.