Set net Code of Practice

Features of a good net

Net construction

Use nets that can be easily retrieved.

A properly constructed net, if snagged, is easier to recover. It is important that the buoy rope is stronger than all the other ropes and is attached directly to the bottom lead line. This is to ensure that if the anchor or net is snagged, the buoy line can be used to recover the net.

To avoid being caught or cut by a propeller, the buoy rope should be made of sinking line or weighted to hold it straight down. The buoy rope can be more easily recovered if about 1 metre of floating line and a small buoy are attached to the main buoy.

Buoy ropes should be of sufficient length to cope with variations in water depths due to tidal change or swell. Ensure that you have sufficient length of buoy line to recover your net if it is swept into nearby deeper water.

Buoys

Use proper buoys.

Plastic bottles, oil cans, etc, are not suitable as they can be easily damaged by the sun and sink. Use only purpose-designed floats that can be clearly seen at a distance. A buoy should be large enough to float on the surface even in a strong tide, but not so buoyant as to lift and move the net.