NEWS

The considerable experience amassed by Fusion Marine on bluefin tuna farming in the Mediterranean in the last four years has provided a good platform for extending the technology to cover other highly sought after tuna species, with Fusion Marine technical staff now heavily involved in new tuna projects for Tahiti, Venezuela, Indonesia, the Philippines and other countries.

Fusion Marine International Aquaculture Consultant, Carmelo Agius, says: "Fusion tuna cages have been subject to extraordinary stresses associated with towing full fish loads for hundreds of miles in exposed locations, without encountering any significant problems. Customers are very satisfied with the quality of the cages."

Fusion Marine has also developed a purpose-designed cage for culling tuna during harvesting. The new design facilitates rapid and efficient harvesting, ensuring minimal stress to the tuna and optimising the flesh quality.

Meanwhile, tuna operators throughout the world are also showing great interest in Fusion Marine's new Triton 450 sea cage. Since its launch last year, it has received an influx of interest including enquiries from Chile, Peru, Mexico, the Mediterranean and the Far East.

The Triton 450, based on the company's highly successful Oceanflex 315 design, has specific applications for the expanding tuna farming industry.

"As the tuna industry develops it is inevitable that cage systems will be towed over longer distances in even more exposed environments, which makes the size and durability of Triton an attractive feature," states Carmelo Agius.

The 100m plus circumference Triton cage provides excellent buoyancy and strength.
A key advantage of the new system is its versatility in being able to accept a variety of fittings. The introduction of plastic moulding technology allows cages to be tailor-made and easily adapted, even when on-site.