As computer software reaches into every area of fisheries, the design of seine nets is no exception. French netting specialist Le Drezen has pioneered the use of a unique modelling software program that digitally simulates a haul, thus helping vessel owners and skippers to design the seine best suited to their needs.
The company insists that good net designs have always resulted from the best possible compromise between various parameters, and that the main role of the software is to help the user make informed choices in optimising the design against the size of the seiner.
Multiple simulations are possible, making the software useful to an experienced skipper who can reproduce fishing situations as accurately as possible, and therefore observe and understand the reactions of his net.
Le Drezen claims that its motto is ‘top quality’, and this has driven its programme of vertical integration, aiming for a consistently high quality from the design stage to the manufacturing of its purse seine nets.
The filament (raw material for netting) is woven on high capacity machine according to rigorous criteria; this guarantees an unequalled strength. Le Drezen also claims to have been the first to use high tenacity spun dyed black filaments which offer better resistance to UV rays. Once the filament is braided, the netting is woven on the latest Amita looms before being stabilised by wet vapour at 130° C under a three bar pressure in a specially built autoclave.
This sophisticated process allows perfectly tightened knots and calibrated mesh sizes. It also helps reduce mesh deformation once the seine net is used. This proves to be a key advantage when repairs are carried out. Indeed, the new filaments can be closely intertwined with the old ones and this prevents the net from breaking because of uneven pressure distribution on the net.
The netting is also permeated with resin which improves its water-tightness and its resistance to knot deformation and abrasion.
Only the best materials are used in order to reduce maintenance costs as much as possible. These include high tenacity rope stabilised with vapour, EVA floats and high resistance chains especially manufactured to resist corrosion.
The company also emphasises its very precise manufacturing methods aimed at producing state of the art nets. A CAD system is used to start the project, and the rigorous assembly is conducted by a team of experts.
