Net trimmed aboard ship - backbreaking stuff? (6)
I believe the answer is:
straws
If this is the answer I cannot explain how the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for straws that I've seen before include "Dried stalks used as fodder or bedding" , "Tubes used to suck liquids" , "Lots" , "Thin plastic or paper tubes" , "Grass stems after grain is removed" .)