Net Maintenance, Marking and Record Keeping
The integrity of the containment net is an important factor in salmon farming. Nets must be able to withstand the rigours of the marine environment and weak nets are more susceptible to breakage and subsequent loss of fish.
Net Marking
To effectively document and maintain net history, the regulation requires that each net be marked and tagged using a unique permanent number. In this manner the complete history of the net can be tracked and made available in the event it is requested by a Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Inspector.
Record Keeping
The amended Aquaculture Regulation specifies that all containment nets are to be properly tagged, maintained and stored. Net maintenance records are comprehensive and must include key work that has been completed on the net. This includes regular out-of-water servicing and any recent on-site repairs. Detailed current maintenance records must be kept at the site and life history records of the net must also be kept by the operator. These records must be kept for one year after the net is retired.
Maintenance and Storage
The Aquaculture Regulation specifies what must be done for a net to be considered to have passed a complete out-of-water servicing and inspection. This service includes net strength testing, assessment of overall condition and any necessary repairs. Any nets deemed inadequate cannot be re-deployed as containment nets unless they are properly repaired.
In the event a net is damaged after it is deployed, repairs must be made immediately. These repairs are to be noted in the maintenance record and form part of the history of the net.
Ultra violet rays from the sun have harmful effects on containment nets. A net left in the sunlight can deteriorate. Often the weak section of the net is in an isolated location that can be easily over looked during servicing and testing. The regulations require that nets on dry land must be stored in a manner that prevents degradation.
While some companies conduct their own net testing and servicing, many of the companies rely on professional net lofts for their net assessment, maintenance and storage needs. Most companies dealing with specific net lofts would rely upon the net loft for storage of any unused nets.
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