Riverdale Mills (Northbridge, MA USA) revolutionized the lobster fishing industry when the company created Aquamesh, a first of its kind marine-grade welded wire mesh fabric designed specifically to create a more sturdy, weather and corrosion resistant lobster trap for New England lobstermen. Today, over 80% of all U.S. built lobster traps are built with Aquamesh, and crab fishermen worldwide build crab pots with Aquamesh to enhance the durability of their pots.

For 35 years, lobster traps made with Aquamesh have withstood some of the world’s most severe weather. The galvanizing process, which provides a protective zinc coating that retards rust, is the key to durability. Aquamesh is produced using Riverdale’s proprietary two- step galvanized after welding and PVC coating process to resist corrosion, maximize durability and naturally counteract algae, parasites and pathogens. Galvanizing the trap wire after it is welded is the key to product durability. Galvanization provides a protective zinc coating that retards rust. If zinc is applied to wire strands before they are welded together (GBW), the wire junctures lose their galvanized protection.

When zinc is applied after welding (using GAW), lobster traps typically last four to five times longer than traps made using the GBW process; traps made exclusively with Aquamesh typically last seven to ten years.

“On the 35th anniversary of our company and the introduction of Aquamesh, Riverdale Mills thanks and acknowledges the hardworking and dedicated men and women of the fishing industry attending Skipper Expo Int. Bournemouth,” said James Knott, Jr, Riverdale Mills CEO.

Aquamesh is a multifunctional product. It is also used worldwide in the construction of crab pots, oyster and shellfish trays, and conch and whelk trays. Aquamesh hold the shape of traps and trays, resists algae and biofouling and is economical. The corrosion resistant coating, that does not peel or crack, reduces the need for costly maintenance and repairs.

“We are thrilled to be exhibiting at Bournemouth, honored to be a part of this dynamic industry and remain committed to delivering products of unsurpassed quality to fishermen worldwide”.

For more information, visit the company’s website: //riverdale.com