276 MARINE PRODUCTS OF COMMERCE 



illustrated by the fact that since 1945 there have been literally hundreds of new 

 fish-net preservatives on the market. 



During World War II, due to the great scarcity of netting fibers, intensive 

 studies were made to find preservatives to lengthen the life of the precious fibers. 

 It was decided that an outstanding net preservative must fulfill certain definite 

 qualifications in order to combat or withstand the effects of salt- and fresh-water 

 immersions, exposure in air contaminated with industrial fumes, and prolonged 



Fig. 13-32. Reeling sink gill nets to dry, a practice followed in the Gloucester 

 (Mass.) and Great Lake fisheries. 



exposure in strong sunlight. The following factors summarize the points involved 

 in selecting an ideal net preservative: (1) It should completely penetrate the 

 fibers, (2) should not affect the flexibility of the net, (3) should retard marine 

 growths, (4) should prevent the growth of microorganisms, (5) should add 

 strength without undue weight, (6) should be of a color acceptable to fishermen, 

 (7) should not cause knot slippage, (8) should prevent oxidation and fiber 

 tendering in sunlight or storage, (9) should be applied easily, (10) should notice- 

 ably increase the life of the net, and should enable the net to catch fish after 

 treatment. 



Preservatives cannot protect nets from damage due to neglect, carelessness and 

 a lack of cleanliness. Since all gear is more or less contaminated with slime and 

 other matter from the ocean or vessel after it is fished, attention should be given 

 to cleansing or neutralizing as quickly as possible. Washing with fresh sea water 

 or sprinkling with generous quantities of coarse salt are methods most generally 

 adopted and are quite effective. Frequent washing and drying whenever possible 

 is highly recommended as it has proven to be the simplest means of maintaining 

 the strength of a net. 



Care should be taken to dry the nets in a shaded area as prolonged exposure 

 to sunlight is quite injurious. During the offseason storage period the nets should 

 be loosely suspended in well-ventilated shelters. When thrown in piles heaped 

 on the floor, they are extremely subject to mildew attacks. 



At the present rate of technical advancement it would appear that a net 

 preservative which will fulfill the requirements of both the fishermen and scientists 



