Scotland:World's strongest fibre to be used in fishnet trials

A new net material for Scotland’s salmon farmers is being pioneered in Sutherland and the Western Isles and could play a major role in further improving performance on containment in the aquaculture industry.
The first in a series of trials is being hosted by Loch Duart Ltd at one of its main production sites in Badcall Bay, Scourie, under the auspices of a new industry-wide research and development project co-ordinated and part-funded by Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO).
A second experiment is also due to commence shortly, which will be conducted on the Isle of Harris by Marine Harvest Scotland. The total cost of the trials and commercial evaluations is over £100,000. Other partners and funders in the project include the Scottish Government, fibre manufacturers DSM Dyneema, mesh material producer Badinotti and net manufacturer Boris Net Company Ltd.
The high strength, lightweight Dyneema fibre is to be used, which is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel on a weight for weight basis, and is described as the ‘world’s strongest fibre’.
Standard nets used in the aquaculture industry are mainly made from nylon or similar materials. Advances in technology have led to an approximate two-fold increase in the tensile strength of this new net material.
Invented by DSM, the material has a unique combination of properties and is used in applications including bullet resistant armour, cockpit doors of aeroplanes, racing sails, safety gloves for the metalworking industry and cables for tanker mooring.

With 14 new nets now in place and the first smolts (young fish) put to sea in April, Nick Joy, Managing Director of Loch Duart, said: “We are delighted to be contributing to this project both financially and by proving this material in the field. The strength of this netting should benefit our production in many ways. Our record on escapes has not matched our high ideals and this material could be the answer. It is reputed to be less prone to abrasion and inclined to resist the deposition of marine growth. We hope these benefits will also yield better growing conditions for our fish.”
Alan Sutherland, Managing Director of Marine Harvest Scotland added: “This is an extremely important project to be involved in and one the salmon farming industry and stakeholders will be watching closely. The benefits of using this type of material appear to be very clear and we are hopeful that its application will greatly assist in improving the secure containment of our stocks.”

A newly expanded trade association for the Scottish salmon farming industry has been created. The enhanced Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO) will be responsible for representing the whole industry in political, regulatory and technical issues.