How Cage Nets Help Protect Marine Life in Aquaculture?

Cage nets are used in aquaculture to contain and cultivate marine species in a specific area of a body of water, such as a lake, ocean, or pond. They provide a controlled environment for fish to grow, protected from predators and other environmental factors. Cage nets vary in size and depth and can be placed at different levels in the water column depending on the species being farmed and the environmental conditions. While their primary function is to contain and protect fish from predators and environmental hazards, they also play a significant role in safeguarding marine life. Here, we explore some of the useful insights on how does a fishing farming cage protect marine life and ecosystems from potential harm:?

1. Benefits of cage nets for marine life protection

• Preventing the escape of farmed species

One of the primary concerns in aquaculture is the risk of farmed fish escaping into the wild. Escapes can occur due to damaged nets and adverse weather conditions such as:?

1. Storms and hurricanes: Strong winds and heavy rainfall can damage nets and cages, allowing fish to escape.
2. Typhoons: Similar to hurricanes, typhoons can bring destructive winds and waves that can breach containment structures.
3. Extreme tides: High tides can put pressure on nets and cages, increasing the risk of breaches.

Escaped fish pose several threats to local marine ecosystems. These include competition with native species for food and habitat, genetic dilution of wild populations, and the spread of diseases. Cage nets, particularly those made from high-strength, durable materials, are designed to withstand wear and tear, reducing the likelihood of accidental fish release. By effectively containing farmed fish, cage nets help preserve the ecological balance of marine environments.

• Reducing predation

Marine predators such as seals, sharks, and birds often pose significant threats to fish farms. Without protective measures, these predators can breach enclosures, leading to loss of fish stock and damage to equipment. Cage nets act as physical barriers that protect farmed fish from predators, while also preventing harm to the predators themselves. Anti-predator nets, often placed around or above the cages, are specifically designed to keep these animals at bay without entangling or injuring them. This ensures that both the farmed fish and surrounding wildlife remain safe.

• Controlling disease and parasite spread

Disease and parasite outbreaks are common challenges in aquaculture, and they can spread from farmed fish to wild populations, if not properly controlled. Cage nets act as a physical barrier, keeping farmed fish separate from surrounding marine life and reducing the risk of disease transmission. Also, the enclosed environment allows farmers to monitor the health of their fish more effectively. Farmers can quickly respond by treating sick fish or adjusting conditions to reduce stress and prevent further outbreaks. This reduces the chances of large-scale disease events that could impact both farmed and wild fish.

Well-managed cage systems ensure that fish farming practices do not harm surrounding wildlife. This safeguards biodiversity and supports sustainable fish production.

2. Common types of cage nets used in aquaculture

In aquaculture, different types of cage nets are designed for specific stages of fish development, protection from predators and managing parasites. Below are some of the most important cage systems used in modern fish farming:

• Smolt and grow-out cages

1. Smolt cages: These smaller cages are typically located in sheltered areas to protect smolts from harsh weather conditions and predators. By maintaining optimal water quality, temperature, and oxygen levels, smolt cages create ideal conditions for the successful growth and development of smolts. This careful nurturing ensures that smolts are well-prepared to transition to larger grow-out cages.?
2. Grow-out cages: These are larger, more robust structures designed to accommodate fish as they mature. These cages are typically located in more open waters, where stronger currents and deeper water provide better oxygen and waste dispersion.?

• Predator cages

Predator cages protect farmed fish from marine predators. This protection reduces fish losses significantly and increases the overall survival rate of the stock. Without predator cages, farmed fish would face constant threats from natural predators..In addition to safeguarding the fish, predator cages also improve the efficiency of aquaculture operations. When fish are safe from predators, farmers can focus more on optimising growth conditions, monitoring health, and ensuring proper feeding.?

• Lice shield cages

One of the primary concerns with sea lice is their rapid reproductive rate and the ease with which their larvae can spread through the water.? Lice shield cages are designed to block both adult sea lice and their larvae from entering the cage and infecting the farmed fish

Garware Technical Fibres offer a wide range of high-quality aquaculture solutions for different applications. For instance, STAR nets, one of our grow out and smolt cage nets, are made from specialised polyolefin fibre. They offer long-lasting strength as they do not absorb water. They maintain their shape over time, with less than 10% loss in mesh strength over 9 years. The compact weave reduces drag and improves water flow, creating a healthier environment for fish. With 30 times more abrasion resistance than nylon, STAR nets are easier to clean, have a longer service life, and are recyclable. Also, they show over three times lower CO2 emissions compared to nylon, making them an eco-friendly option for aquaculture.

You can also explore Sapphire Ultraguard, a robust and durable predator net. It is a recyclable, stiff netting that offers superior cut and abrasion resistance compared to nets with stainless steel wire cores. Its rigid structure improves water exchange and reduces drag force, enhancing the overall performance of the net. With exceptional cut resistance, Sapphire Ultraguard provides better protection against predators. Its sinking behaviour and durable mesh make it a reliable choice for aquaculture, while its recyclability adds an eco-friendly benefit.?

We also offer a host of lice prevention solutions. For instance,? X12 ALGAL BLOOM SHIELDS is an innovative algal bloom shield designed to block harmful algae, sea lice larvae, jellyfish, and other harmful species from entering the cage. This water-permeable fabric features a porosity of 1-2 microns, effectively filtering out all types of harmful algae. Our patent-pending product offers superior breaking and tearing strength compared to PVC-coated fabrics, ensures minimal microplastic release, and delivers a long service life for reliable protection.?

We’ve launched a groundbreaking solution that’s set to transform the fish farming industry—V2 technology . It is an advanced solution for aquaculture, offering HDPE nets with built-in antifouling technology. These nets use V2 composite fibres and significantly reduce copper emissions compared to traditional antifouled nets. The technology minimises cleaning efforts, reducing costs by up to 50%, while promoting better fish health and environmental sustainability. It delays fouling and is a more eco-friendly alternative to conventional netting solutions.

To know more about our aquaculture solutions and our commitment to promoting sustainable aquaculture, visit https://www.garwarefibres.com/solutions/aquaculture . For direct enquiries and partnerships, kindly visit our website .?