Off the Sicilian coast there are fleets of traditional “harpoon fishing vessels” with cables connected to ladders which in turn are connected to observation posts

(33 m above sea level) that go beyond the town and the peaks of the mountains. Defying gravity 1 m from the surface with a sensation similar to “walking on water,” there is a horizontal ladder that extends 50 m from the bow of the boat to the harpooner's post.

This selective fishing practice - which only has swordfish as the target catch - is a highly recommended and environmentally friendly method, since there is almost no bycatch (fish inadvertently caught) compared to driftnets that catch and they kill anything like dolphins, sea turtles, etc .

​