Protection of traditional wooden fishing canoes

Abstract

Wood is the best-known traditional material for boat construction.However, the shrinking forest resources restricts its widespread use. The scarcity of this versatile natural resource has led the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology to conduct studies on the utilization of less durable species for construction of fishing canoes and methods for protecting them. This communication discusses the methods for protection of wooden canoes from degradation in the tropical aquatic environment. The upgradation of secondary species of wood can be brought about through chemical preservative treatment. The use of oil borne and water-borne preservative (dual preservative treatment) has been found successful for increasing the service life of less durable species like rubber wood (Hevea brasiliensis). Alternatively, reinforcement through use of sheathing materials like Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) can also be adopted. The costs involved for the chemical treatment and sheathing with FRP are worked out. The materials used and the method for sheathing small canoes, both old and new, with FRP has been discussed.