In 2013, International Copper Association Taiwan Office introduced the copper alloy aquaculture cage technology to Taiwan Yuang-Hsian Metal (YHM), the major copper alloy wire company established in 1979. YHM’s vice president, Mr. Kuo-Ta Chang, said: “Seeing the continuous growth in the global aquaculture industry, the pioneer projects ICA have done, and with the encouragement from fish farmer friends, we decided to explore this new market. Our R&D team has developed the AquaBronze 65 (AB65) wire especially for aquaculture use.”
In 2015, ICA-Taiwan and YHM visited PengHu island and discussed copper-alloy net in aquaculture cage with the chairman of Taiwan Offshore Aquaculture Association, Mr. Lien-Sheng Chen, and the secretary general of Tsai-Yuan Harbor Development Association, Mr. Zhai-Ho Huang. Both of Chen and Huang with 30 years aquaculture experience witness the benefits from YHM’s 4 prototype test cages and decided in 2016 to establish 6 and 4 copper alloy cages respectively, supplied by YHM.
In addition, Sunrise, the world second largest HDPE aquaculture frame manufacturer, also saw the good potential of copper-alloy net aquaculture cage and cooperated with YHM on the new strengthened structure. YHM and Sunrise will together invested over US$ 300,000 on cage testing and project development. Furthermore, several pioneering projects are underway in Vietnam and other South East Asia countries.
Photo from YHM
Copper Netting: Aquaculture is the fastest growing animal-food producing sector worldwide. Copper alloy netting improves fish production, leading to healthier fish, higher yields, and lower costs. In addition, copper netting:
-Resists storm damage and lasts longer than traditional netting.
-Reduces predator attacks and fish escapes.
-Stays naturally clean, reduces drag and maintains cage volume.
-Decreases impact of pathogens and parasites, as monitored by farmers.
-Supports sustainable fish farming and is 100% recyclable.
-Minimizes maintenance cost and efforts.
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