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Abstract

Sea anchors used for fishing operations help improve catch rates by stabilizing vessel drift speeds to match tidal or ocean currents. The underwater resistance experienced by a sea anchor's canopy significantly impacts its performance, yet there has been limited research on canopy materials. This study investigates how different canopy materials can enhance sea anchor performance. Specifically, we tested sea anchors made from three fabrics: the currently used polyamide (PA) material, PA material with increased yarn density in the weft direction, and polyester (PES). Using Korean national standards, we compared the yarn density, weight, water absorption capacity, drying rate, air permeability, and tensile strength. The PA fabric with increased yarn density (Sample B) demonstrated enhanced strength under standard conditions but reduced tensile strength when wet. Its increased weight posed challenges for creating lightweight products, and no improvement was observed in its water absorption capacity or drying rate. Conversely, the PES fabric (Sample C) showed promise for lightweight products owing to its low weight, reduced water absorption capacity, improved drying rate, and air permeability. This fabric maintained stable tensile strength under both standard and wet conditions, suggesting that it could make sea anchors easier to handle and more efficient. Our study demonstrated that using PES fiber in sea anchor canopies significantly enhances their performance. Future research should evaluate the long-term performance and lifespan of each material to determine the cost efficiency and economic benefits of using PES fiber. Such studies could improve product satisfaction and contribute to a more efficient fishery environment.

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