(
2006-07-02)
Fredriksson, David W.; DeCew, Judson C.; Tsukrov, Igor; Swift, M. R.; Irish, James D.
A study is conducted to validate a numerical model for calculating mooring system
tensions of a large fish farm containing 20 net pens in the absence of waves. The model is
forced using measured current velocity values obtained outside of the farm. Mooring line
tensions calculated with the numerical model are compared with load cell field data sets.
The approach considers current velocity reduction and load characteristics that occur
through the net pen system for both clean and fouled net conditions. Without accounting
for the reduction, the numerical model produces excessively conservative results. With
reduction, a substantial improvement occurs. Understanding these differences will help
to establish appropriate safety factors when designing large marine fish farms using the
model. Additional validation studies should be conducted with wave and current forcing
to investigate the modeling large fish farms for exposed or open ocean sites.
