August 29, 2007

UK fisheries college to use new cages in experiments

Scientists at the National Association of Fisheries Consultatives (NAFC) Marine Centre in Scalloway, Shetland, will use custom-made polyethylene cages to conduct vaccine and feed trials, and to introduce new species to aquaculture.

The scientists will also use two blocks of six individual cages as a working platform to assess the effectiveness of using wrasse as a biological lice treatment for salmon. The wrasses are a family of marine fish known for removing parasites and dead tissue from other fishes.

Oban-based Fusion Marine, the firm that made the cages, said the six-metre squares were compact and safe, and hence ideal for researchers. 

Fusion Marine also developed a new safety decking system based on a successful injection-moulded design already used by major fish farming companies. Decking systems are the platforms around fish cages for operators to carry out their workstation activities.