The Basic Methods of Pearl Farming: A Layman's Manual - CTSA

Spat collectionLeave about 13 in (30 cm) of rope free at the end of the collector so it can be tied onto the spat collectormain line using a slipknot (see Figure 14-knot for tying spat collectors or chaplets onto the main line).Using plant materials or shells:If using mikimiki or some other brushy material, leave the small leaves and twigs in place and cut thebranches in lengths of about 22 in (50 cm). Then tie them together with rope or monofilament. Leaveenough extra line to tie the bundle onto the main line. If using coconut husks (the inner, brown husk),make a hole in the end of each coconut half. Shred the coconut husk so that a furry mass is created.Using a piece of 1/8-in (14-mm) polypropylene rope, tie a knot at one end, then thread on a coconuthusk. Tie another knot about 8 in (20 cm) above this and add another coconut half. Repeat this until 5or 6 coconut halves are on the collector and then hang it on the main line.The same can be done using pearl oyster shells.This is a good use for old or broken shells. Drilla hole through the center of the shells and threadthem on the collector line, using knots to keepthe shells from touching each other. Shells thathave been aged in the sun will work best.When using any of the heavier materials, the spatcollector line will need more floats and will haveto be checked more often to be sure it does notsink.Figure 14. Collectors should be tied onto the mainline using a knot that can beeasily tied and untied using one hand,such as the knot shown here. This knotcan be easily broken loose even whenfouling organisms have covered the line.Figure 15. A spat collectorPage 41