1. Large fishing nets that are allowed to drift with ocean currents, typically suspended vertically in the water to catch fish and other marine animals.
Usage: plural form; fishing industry term; often used in discussions of commercial fishing practices
2. Driftnets considered as a fishing method that is controversial due to its indiscriminate capture of marine life and environmental impact.
Usage: often used in environmental or regulatory contexts

Examples

• Many countries have banned driftnets because they trap dolphins and other non-target species.
• The fishing fleet used driftnets to catch squid in the open ocean.
• Environmental groups have campaigned against the use of driftnets for decades.
• Driftnets can stretch for miles and cause significant damage to marine ecosystems.
• International agreements now restrict the use of driftnets in most waters.
• The ship deployed driftnets at night to catch fish migrating through the channel.