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The role of recycling and biodegradable materials in aquaculture and fisheries
Summary
This review examines the status and technical barriers to recycling plastics from fishing gear and aquaculture equipment in Norway and Iceland, and assesses biodegradable materials as an alternative, noting that circular value chains are critical for reducing the substantial microplastic pollution generated across the lifecycle of aquaculture plastics. Fishing gear and aquaculture equipment are among the largest sources of plastic pollution in marine environments, making sector-specific recycling solutions a priority.
Plastic components are widely used in fisheries and aquaculture (F&A) systems due to their lightweight, durability, cost efficiency, and resistance to seawater corrosion. Common applications include solid blocks, filaments, ropes, nets, and films. However, plastics in F&A contribute significantly to marine pollution, generating macro- and microplastics throughout their lifecycle. Recycling and reusing plastics from fishing gear and aquaculture systems have become critical to addressing this issue. Mechanical and chemical recycling methods exist for these materials, but future product designs may need to prioritise circularity by incorporating recycled plastics over virgin materials. Developing circular value chains in the F&A sector is essential for reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainability. This chapter presents the status of waste handling and investigates the technical barriers, challenges, and solutions for recycling plastics in Norway and Iceland’s F&A sectors. It also explores replacing traditional plastics like polyamide (PA) 6 (Nylon), polyethersulfone (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) with innovative biodegradable materials. These alternatives are designed to degrade faster in sea water after a specific period, mitigating issues such as persistent littering and ghost fishing. This chapter examines the benefits and limitations of biodegradable fishing gear made from materials such as PBSAT (polybutylene succinate-co-adipate-co-terephthalate) and PBSA poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) and evaluates their suitability for specific applications. Additionally, it assesses the degradation behaviour of these materials to determine their effectiveness in reducing long-term marine pollution compared to conventional gear. By addressing recycling practices and promoting biodegradable alternatives, this chapter highlights strategies for reducing the environmental impact of plastics in F&A while advancing sustainable resource use. Despite the challenges, biodegradable materials have the potential to replace commonly used plastics in various components of fishing gear. This substitution can significantly help reduce plastic pollution, minimise microplastic formation, and prevent ghost fishing. Examples include gillnet meshes, longline snoods, and dolly ropes for bottom trawls.
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