When it comes to trawling, especially for shrimp, Mexico plays an important global role as a major player in the market.
In this region, one of the most active players is Mr Oscar Valdez Rodriguez, who owns and operates his own shrimp trawling fleet and Commercializadora Maritima SA (CMI), a company that imports and manufacturers trawling nets, and supplies those nets to trawling fleets throughout the region. His trawl fleet, Pesquera Delly S.A., is a highly innovative trawling company that consults with the Mexican government about ways to improve sustainability and profitability in the industry.
Like operators throughout the world, CMI is faced with the challenge of enabling its trawling customers to increase their catch performance while keeping costs under control.
Mr Valdez Rodriguez recognised early the value of supplying gear that could help cut fuel costs, as well as reduce replacement and repair costs...all the while boosting catch performance. Here he shares his thoughts on his experience with nets made with Dyneema®, the world's strongest fibre™.
Using UltraCross® nets…and cutting costs
Mr Valdez Rodriguez is convinced he has found a good solution. He uses UltraCross® Silver netting, manufactured by NET Systems and made with Dyneema®. After initial trials with two UltraCross® nets, he decided to equip the entire Pesquera Delly fleet with them.
Mr Valdez Rodriguez says, “This is the best route to reduce costs, not just in terms of saving on diesel, but also saving on the wear and tear of machinery and equipment. It also helps save on the costs related to the repair and replacement of the nets.”
He continues: “We have been able to see savings of up to 45%. We have been using this product for over seven years here in Mexico. The results have been great. We are still using it and have outfitted 100% of our fleet with it.”
Cutting costs how?
How do these nets cut costs? With regard to fuel costs, the nets made with Dyneema® have significantly less drag, as they are lighter and can be used with a smaller mesh and twine. This enables the fishing vessels to fish longer (and boost the catch performance) on the same amount of fuel. Or to make the same trip on less fuel.
Nets made with Dyneema® are also extremely durable, which means they have a much longer service life, thus reducing replacement costs. They also are much easier to handle, which can improve productivity onboard as well as help reduce costly injuries to crewmembers.
Mr Valdez Rodriguez says, “What we saw is that in its lifespan, its costs and how long the payback is with regard to our initial investment, I can tell you with great certainty we are able to pay back our investment after the first fishing season. After the first year of use, we have recouped the cost of the nets and even had a bit of profit left over.”
Looking to the future
Based on his good experience with these nets, Mr Valdez Rodriguez is taking his business one step further by investing in offshore aquaculture cages made with Dyneema® to be used for shrimp farming. A complete evaluation is being conducted in cooperation with the Commision Nacional de Pesca (CONAPESCA) de Mexico.
The project is currently evaluating different systems of farming, including fish, shrimp and other species.
A final word from Mr Valdez Rodriguez: “We are convinced this is the best route to reducing costs and to improve efficiency and profitability.”
