Abstract: An aquatic specimen retrieval device includes a pair of collection nets, the open end of each being held by a hoop. The two hoops are hinged together and are closed in an abutting concentric relation in the pre-sampling condition, the whole being connected to a tow line. When released the flow of water past the hoops causes them to unhinge into a side by side position so that sea water is directed through the hoops into the nets. Upon completion of the sampling period, a second mechanism releases the nets from the hoops and by means of a choke line, the nets are caught and closed, preventing further sample collection.