Spiny Dogfish Net

The spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) is a small shark species often found in coastal waters and fjords. In some areas with aquaculture facilities, spiny dogfish have proven to be a challenge, as they can gather beneath the cages and cause significant wear and tear on the fish-farming nets, especially at the bottom of the net bag.

Spiny dogfish have strong jaws and sharp teeth, and may start gnawing on the nets in an attempt to reach feed residues, dead fish, or other material that has sunk to the bottom of the cage. Over time, this can weaken the netting material, causing wear or holes, and thus pose a risk both for escapes and for fish welfare inside the cage.

To counteract such attacks and reduce wear in the bottom of the net bag, a protective net is often installed at the base. This serves as an extra barrier and absorbs most of the gnawing and physical impact from, for example, spiny dogfish, thereby contributing to extended service life of the net bag as well as improved safety and fish welfare at the facility.

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