ADVANTAGES OF THIS SYSTEM.

    Among the various advantages of the continuous long-line system using the above-mentioned machinery the following are paramount:

• The simplification of the re-tubing process as it is carried out in a single operation and the possibility of being able to do this in situ. (See photographs 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the older non-continuous system).
  

• The speed and ease with which ropes laden with mussels can be raised.

• The fact that mussels can be removed from the ropes with a minimum of effort as the hydraulic hauler pulls the rope out of the water.

• The machinery needed is of reduced size and weight and can, therefore, be used on smaller vessels. (See photographs 9 and 10 for other equipment used).
  
  

• The low cost of the equipment.

• The fact that the equipment is low-tech and simple to use from the moment it is introduced. In addition to this, it is virtually breakdown-free so there is no dependency on a supplier for after-sale service.

• The use of ropes with pegs prevents the mussels becoming detached. When smooth ropes are used up to 50% of the product can be lost. (See photograph 11) The use of pegged ropes also means the producer does not have to resort to bagging the ropes while the mussel is growing -a process which can slow down its development. (See photograph 12).

• The fact that pegged ropes can be used over and over again. This cannot be done with ropes re-tubed inside permanent netting. This also prevents the formation of non-biodegradable residues which benefits the ecosystem. (See photograph 13).
  
  

PHOTOGRAPH 12. BAGGED ROPES

FOTO 13.