FADs testing Progress with abacá fibers and new treatments

Summary

In 2017, Tuna Cons tested biodegradable materials for fishing equipment, using ibaka fiber for floats and tails. Initial monitoring showed good condition after 22 days, but after 67 days, ibaka fabric lost 94% of its strength. The Technical University of the North analyzed the fiber, suggesting treatments for improved durability. Tuna Cons is committed to sustainable fishing practices, aiming to conserve tuna populations and their ecosystems.

Takeaways

• 📅 On September 25, 2017, a fishing aggregating device (FAD) with ibaka fiber and two 10-meter tails was deployed.
• 🔍 First monitoring on October 17, 2017, after 22 days, showed the FAD in good condition with no significant wear on the ibaka fiber or the balsa sticks.
• 🔄 Second monitoring after 37 days confirmed that both the structure and the hanging part were still in good condition with stones as ballast.
• 🔢 Third monitoring at 52 days indicated the FAD was still in lace and good condition, but the fabric in the hanging part had deteriorated.
• 📉 Fourth monitoring revealed a significant loss in strength of the ibaka fabric, with a 94% drop in resistance after 67 days at sea.
• 🧪 The Technical University of the North in Ecuador analyzed the ibaka fiber and suggested a treatment process for protection against alkaline conditions.
• 🌱 Two different treatments were applied to the ibaka fiber and Cibola fiber to extend their useful life.
• 🧪 A third treatment was applied to the kibou tissue, involving an acrylic polymer self-crosslinker and antibacterial agent.
• 📸 Images were provided showing the treated fabrics after 31 days at sea.
• 🌍 The project companies are committed to sustainable development and conservation strategies for tuna populations and their ecosystems.

Q & A

What was the purpose of deploying a FAD with ibaka fiber and two tails of 10 meters each?

The purpose was to test the durability and effectiveness of biodegradable materials and vegetable fiber for use in the floating and hanging parts of a Fish Aggregating Device (FAD).

When was the first monitoring of the FAD conducted?

The first monitoring was conducted on October 17, 2017, which was 22 days after the FAD was deployed.

What was the condition of the FAD after the first 22 days?

After 22 days, the canes in the floating part, the mooring line, and the fabric in the hanging part were all in good condition, with the ropes still having stones as ballast.

How long was the FAD deployed before the second monitoring?

The FAD was deployed for 37 days before the second monitoring on November 1, 2017.

What were the findings of the second monitoring after 37 days?

Both the structure and the hanging part of the FAD were still in good condition, with stones and a few inlays present.

How did the FAD's condition change after 52 days in the sea?

After 52 days, the FAD was still in lace and good condition, but the fabric covering the structure was deteriorated due to algae, and the hanging part had lost its tails and ballast, with the ropes in poor condition.

What was the conclusion of the analysis conducted by the Technical University of the North in Ibarra on the ibaka fiber?

After 67 days, the ibaka fabric lost 94% of its resistance, dropping from 250.95 kgf to 13.81 kgf, indicating significant degradation.

Why did the Technical University of the North in Ecuador suggest a special treatment for the ibaka fiber?

They suggested a special treatment to protect the fiber in an alkaline medium and extend its useful life, as the raw fiber had previously been used without any processing.

What were the two different treatments applied to the ibaka fiber?

The first treatment included reactant resin and silicon micro-emulsion, while the second treatment included reactant resin, silicon, and antibacterial micro-emulsion.

What additional material was tested for resistance along with the ibaka fiber?

Paraffin cotton braided and with lint was also tested for resistance.

What commitment did the companies involved in the project express regarding sustainable development?

The companies expressed a strong and determined commitment to the sustainable development of tuna populations and supporting strategies for the conservation of the species and their ecosystems.