To maintain sanitary and operational equipment, fishing industry professionals must use cleaning products that eventually find their way into the watershed. However, as they look to the long term viability of their industry, commercial fishermen are actually leading demand for safer alternatives. They can now choose Vivesan, a carcinogen-free and fully biodegradable Marine Cleaner, recently showcased in March at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum, an annual three day commercial fishing event held in Rockport, Maine.
 
Vivesan’s formula is an all-natural, 100% plant-based marine cleaner suitable for hulls, moorings, vessel interiors, and gear, and represents one of the only new products on the market designed specifically for the safe, effective removal of organic soil and waste found on commercial boats.
 
The formula was test marketed and developed at Cranberry Isles Co-op, in Islesford, ME, where a majority of the co-op members tried Vivesan. The Vivesan team and Bruce Fernald, the Headmaster, used the product on his boat, the Barbara Ann.  Bruce was very pleased and said that the cleaner worked well. "It got some of the tough stains off easily, where other products would require extra rubbing.  Even the windows were shining bright," said Fernald. Vivesan can be applied with a brush, bucket, and water, which does not require commercial fishermen to change their normal cleaning routine.
 
“I couldn’t believe how powerful it was,” said Richard Howland and Jack Merrill, both commercial lobster fishermen at Islesford.  "To get algae and fish grime off, I usually rely on diluted bleach, which is bad to breathe and kills plant life. Vivesan got the job done, and I didn’t have to be worried about the rinse water or worried about my skin,” added Howland. One fisherman said that he actually burned his skin while using another product because it was so toxic. Several other fisherman from Swan’s, Frenchboro and Bass Harbor also participated in the market testing. 
 
In Maine, Vivesan is currently available for sale at Friendship Trap and several other outlets, with more retail locations to be added soon, including supermarkets, health food stores, and industrial suppliers. This is the first time Vivesan has been demonstrated at the Fishermen’s Forum.