Easy to connect - easy to keep clean The EcoNet shall be connected to the cage by competent personnel that has been trained by AKVA group. Once the EcoNet is connected to the cage there is no need to disconnect it during normal operations. The only exeption will be in case of net damage or wear and tear that need repairs, or other mishaps or accidents. The EcoNets are cleaned in the water and are not taken out for cleaning or antifouling. Standard EcoNets are made for circular and square cages. The upper section have vertical walls with a 1m jump-net up top and the bottom is normally cone shaped.
Net handling and fish husbandry Although the EcoNet is semi-rigid, it can still be handled in very similar ways to a nylon net. This includes drying up the net for crowding fish during harvest, fastening the net to the cages and attaching sinker tubes etc. However, as the EcoNet is being tested and used in new markets and for new species, new and better techniques will continue to be developed to simplify net handling and ensure the best possible fish husbandry. T
C
The Polarcirkel EcoNet is equally suited for both steel and plastic cages.
A
If overloaded, the EcoNet wire stretches about 60-70% before it finally breaks.
A = Mesh width B = Mesh pitch
D
C = Mesh height D = Mesh diagonal T = Wire thickness
B
Polarcirkel EcoNets are partly assembled close to the site. Photo showing tying the net to the sinkertube.
In comparison, nylon stretches about 40% before it finally breaks.
The shape of the EcoNet wire mesh is designed to remain intact if a single wire is cut. This means the mesh will remain stable and the shape intact with minimum negative effect of the strength of the net cage structure. The Polarcirkel EcoNet is made from very strong but light weight PET, (Polyethylene Terephthalate).
The Polarcirkel EcoNet is available in two different mesh sizes: • EcoNet is approved for fishfarming use according to Norwegian Standard 9415 (NS9415).
Mesh size:
t (mm)
A (mm)
B (mm)
C (mm)
D (mm)
weight
Large:
3,0
45
50
71
59
590g/m2
Small:
2,5
35
40
43
37
570g/m2
Long term testing shows that EcoNets retain full strength even after years of exposure to weather, sunlight, chemicals, seawater, abrasion and the sharp teeth of various fish and predators. Most other fibre type netting degrades relatively fast.
The hard non-fibre wire reduces settling of marine fouling and makes the net easy to clean using Idema Net Cleaners. This also eliminates the use of anti-fouling paints.
Extreme weather
45
Predators
Mechanical damage
Biological deterioration