RECORD-KEEPING AND SITE PLAN

For optimal management of a floating cage farm, there must be reliable record-keeping protocols. An archive should be created where the "site plan" is securely stored. This should have the records of the origin of the various components, the date when they were installed, any possible non-conformities that have been identified, and the maintenance or restoration of these components.

These records will allow the farmer to keep track of the activities for maintenance and replacement of all parts over time. These records will also benefit the farm site management plan, adapting it to the particular site's characteristics. Even if there are standardized maintenance procedures, every site has its specific characteristics, and such procedures should be adapted to each site.

Logbook

Tables 31 and 32 provide an example of an inspection logbook that could be used for cage inspection and mooring-line inspection. The number of cages and mooring lines, as well as items to be inspected should be adapted to each farm design and model of net cage. Each of these aspects is discussed below.

 

TABLE 31
Example of daily cage inspection logbook

TABLE 32
Example of a mooring-line and anchor inspection logbook