Case Study: Lacing tape in conservation

Aerco Case Study: Aerospace Lacing Tape Supports Sooty Tern Conservation Research

A conservation research project in the Seychelles required a durable, low-profile method of securing satellite transmitters to Sooty Terns during the breeding season. Aerco worked with Western Filament to identify an aerospace-grade PTFE lacing tape capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to tropical sunlight, salt spray and harsh marine conditions, while remaining suitable for use on black-backed seabirds.

Chris Feare, owner of WildWings Bird Management, undertakes research and consultancy focused on the management of wild birds for conservation and pest control. His current work includes studying the at-sea behaviour of Sooty Terns and other tropical seabirds, with a particular focus on the biology and sustainable exploitation of Sooty Terns in the Seychelles.

His research also encompasses the re-establishment of Sooty Tern populations on islands where they have become extinct, the management and eradication of invasive species on tropical oceanic islands, and investigations into the potential role of wild birds in the epidemiology of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1.

For the 2026 Sooty Tern breeding season, the research team needed to attach lightweight satellite transmitters to individual birds. The attachment material had to withstand prolonged exposure to a sunny, saline environment, with a target service life exceeding three years and excellent resistance to ultraviolet degradation.

Aerco's Maria Moreno worked closely with Western Filament, a specialist manufacturer of aerospace lacing tapes, to identify the most appropriate solution. Together with Chris Feare, they selected a product that would securely retain the transmitters throughout the study while meeting the demanding environmental requirements.

The chosen solution was A-A-52082 Flat Braided PTFE Lacing Tape, formerly designated MIL-T-43435B Type III. Manufactured from PTFE fluorocarbon yarn, the tape is designed for demanding environments and offers excellent resistance to chemicals, moisture and UV exposure. Available uncoated or with a synthetic rubber finish to enhance knot retention, it provides an operating temperature range of -73°C to +232°C and is supplied in a natural dark brown colour.

The tape's flat braided construction enabled the ends to be brought together and secured using small aluminium ferrules, which could be crimped in the field using compact hand tools. Colour selection was also an important consideration, as a darker material was considered less likely to attract attention from black-backed birds, reducing the likelihood of interference with the attached equipment. The inherent durability of PTFE was another key factor in ensuring long-term performance in the challenging marine environment.

Aerco would like to thank Western Filament for their support in helping identify the most suitable solution for this important conservation project. We wish Chris Feare every success with his ongoing research and hope that these studies continue to contribute to the long-term conservation and understanding of Sooty Tern populations in the Seychelles.

To learn more about Chris Feare's conservation work, visit Wild Bird Conservation or contact Aerco for further information on aerospace lacing tapes and their diverse range of applications.

Go to Western Filament

Download A-A-52082 Lacing Tape Datasheet

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