Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fisheries and

for a world without hunger Aquaculture Department

Fishing Gear Types

Diving

ISSCFG code: 10.8 – standard abbreviation: MDV

Characteristics
Overview This gear type includes the operation of gathering by hand or with simple hand implements with or
without diving equipment.
Handling Equipment No specific equipment is required.

Vessel Overview For hand collection is not necessary a boat.

Fish Operation Gathering by hand can be considered the simplest form of fishing surviving the centuries and
modern development. Of course, what can be picked up is limited to some objects only and to the zones
within the manual reach of men.
Target Species Molluscs, mussels, as well as snails and sea urchins, are the main objects harvested by hand
picking.
Water Area Overview Coastal sea and inland waters all around the world.

Gear Environment The most interesting areas for hand picking are those sea coasts which enjoy great
differences in the rise and fall of tides, and where wide muddy areas are exposed twice a day. Here many
species of shells can be collected or dug by hand from the sand or mud. Rocky coasts with small pools, areas
prolific in seaweed growth, or caverns and cliffs favourable for the growth of aquatic plants and with hiding
places for animals, are all ideals areas for gathering.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department