Garware shows new development for protection against predators

Garware's Rigid Sapphire X18 sea lion net for vertical drop design stands out for being a sea lion net with high rigidity, ideal for the straight fall design, suitable for places with abundant attacks by sea lions and with great resistance to abrasion in exposed centers.

We know that the interaction of sea lions with farms is one of the problems of Chilean salmon farming. The use of the rigid Sapphire X18 seal net is ideal for the design of vertical drop seals, it implies a decrease in diving man-hours, with benefits both in safety and costs, it is appropriate for the periods of sowing, harvesting and changes of nets 'It emerged as a specific development for a local customer requirement and now our customers in general are already testing it; it works well, some have even migrated to this rigid wall solution, noting good operational results in the farming centers,' emphasises Marcos Jofré, Garware Technical Fibres Chile business associate.

They stand out as the main advantages of a Sapphire X18 net vs. another rigid net: it is easier to install and uninstall, it presents less breakage, damage and deformation, its depth and width are adaptable to the characteristics of any cultivation center, with higher abrasion resistance, optimal for exposed cores and significantly more economical in its class. Also, after uninstallation, it keeps its shape and it is easier to service it at the nets workshop.

For its part, the superiority it offers when compared to a traditional net is due to the fact that: it allows the boats to approach, with less danger of breaking and with a reduction in diving hours, which entails the reduction of associated risks and also without danger to ships.

'When a sea lion nets is opened or released, for example, for planting, harvesting, treatments, handling or changing nets, that is when the sea lions takes the opportunity to hook, whereas the Sapphire X18 net protects better. Also, fewer turnbuckles are used in rigid designs, approximately 50 percent less. After the incubation and development of this solution, it was put into operation and some clients are already in their second cycle,' says Mr Jofré.

In Chile, sea lion have been a prohibited fishing resource for decades. Its proliferation lacks control and both fishermen and aquaculturists must protect their investments with physical barriers that prevent their passage and make them give up. Their attacks are permanent over time and intensify before mating periods. The sea lions, in addition to being voracious, are "intelligent", where it is easier for them they will go to eat, going to the centers with fewer defenses. Garware agree that nets are fundamental inputs for farms, they must be resistant, in order to take care of the most precious asset, the clients' salmon. 

For more information about Garware visit the website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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