We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Use of biodegradable gillnets for resource and marine environment conservation: assessing the potential application in Northeast Arctic cod (Gadus morhua) fisheries
AI summary Read the abstract
Fishing nets that get lost or abandoned in the ocean can keep trapping fish for years and break down into harmful microplastics that pollute seafood and marine ecosystems. This study tested nets made from a biodegradable plastic as a possible fix, but found they caught fewer large cod and became less effective over time, meaning more research is needed before these eco-friendly nets are ready to replace traditional ones. This matters because reducing plastic pollution in our oceans could help limit the microplastics that eventually make their way into the fish we eat.
Biodegradable plastic materials are being tested in different fisheries for reducing marine plastic pollution and continuous capture by abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded (ALD) gillnets. These earlier trials have shown varying results regarding the catch efficiency of new biodegradable gillnets. This study aimed at exploring the fishing efficiency of gillnets made of biodegradable polybutylene succinate-co-adipate (PBSA) material at different time points during sea trials in the Northeast Arctic cod ( Gadus morhua ) fishery. The results, based on study with 5210 cod, showed that the PBSA gillnet catch efficiency was clearly length-dependent, where PBSA gillnets retained less of larger sized cod (> around 95 cm), while having similar or higher catch rates of smaller cod (around < 95 cm). The reduction in catch efficiency of cod for the PBSA gillnets increased when they were used over the fishing season compared to the initial performance (first six deployments). This displayed a potential reduction in overall revenue for the industry from nylon gillnet catch value; however, this result differed among the deployments. These results show that improvements in long-term catch efficiency and durability are still needed for a commercial application of PBSA gillnets.
More Papers Like This
Fishing efficiency of biodegradable PBSAT gillnets and conventional nylon gillnets used in Norwegian cod (Gadus morhua) and saithe (Pollachius virens) fisheries
AI summary Read the abstract
Fishing trials in Norway found that biodegradable PBSAT gillnets performed comparably to conventional nylon gillnets for catching cod and saithe. Biodegradable fishing nets represent a promising way to reduce the amount of lost gear — ghost fishing gear — that contributes to plastic pollution and microplastic generation in the ocean.
The effect of long-term use on the catch efficiency of biodegradable gillnets
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested biodegradable gillnets over three fishing seasons and found they caught up to 47% fewer fish than standard nylon nets as they degraded faster over time. Despite lower catch efficiency, biodegradable nets could significantly reduce plastic pollution from lost fishing gear in the ocean.
Can biodegradable materials reduce plastic pollution without decreasing catch efficiency in longline fishery?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested biodegradable plastic snoods as replacements for nylon in longline fisheries targeting cod and haddock, evaluating whether the eco-friendly materials could reduce marine plastic pollution from lost gear without compromising fishing performance.
Biodegradable fishing gears: A potential solution to ghost fishing and marine plastic pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated biodegradable materials as alternatives to conventional nylon fishing gear to reduce ghost fishing and marine plastic pollution. They found that biodegradable nets caught fish at comparable rates but broke down much faster in ocean conditions, significantly reducing their long-term environmental impact. The study suggests that switching to biodegradable fishing gear could meaningfully reduce marine litter and the ongoing harm caused by lost or abandoned nets.
Influence of knot strength on the mechanical performance of a biodegradable gillnet
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared conventional nylon (PA6) gillnets to biodegradable alternative nets and found the biodegradable material lost even more strength at knots than expected from its weaker base fiber, making it less suitable as a direct replacement. Developing effective biodegradable fishing gear is important because lost or abandoned plastic nets — called ghost gear — are a major source of marine microplastic pollution.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.