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Ending ghost Fishing: Norwegian Scientists develop Biodegradable Fishing Gear to Combat Ocean Plastic
In a groundbreaking effort to tackle the escalating crisis of ocean plastic pollution, scientists in Norway are at the forefront of developing biodegradable fishing gear. this innovative project aims to replace conventional synthetic ropes, nets, and lines that persist for centuries, contributing to the alarming phenomenon known as “ghost fishing gear.” By creating fishing equipment that naturally degrades, these researchers are striving to mitigate the release of harmful microplastics into the marine habitat and protect delicate ecosystems. the D-Solve project, a collaborative effort, is leading the charge in this crucial endeavor.
Lost or discarded fishing gear,often referred to as ghost fishing gear
,represents a significant and pervasive threat to marine ecosystems worldwide. These materials, predominantly composed of synthetic polymers, can endure in the ocean for extended periods, ensnaring marine animals and gradually breaking down into microplastics. These microplastics then contaminate marine food chains, posing risks to both marine life and human health.The Norwegian scientists are directly confronting this issue by pioneering innovative, biodegradable alternatives designed to minimize environmental impact.
Christian Karl, a researcher from SINTEF and a polymer chemist leading the biodegradability testing for the D-Solve project, underscores the gravity of the situation.
Fishing gear remains in situ for a long time, and in practise, turns the ocean into a plastic landfill site.Christian Karl, SINTEF Researcher
The D-Solve project is a collaborative endeavor uniting industry partners, universities, research institutions, and advocacy groups, all dedicated to forging practical and enduring solutions for fisheries and aquaculture.
The urgency of this project is particularly pronounced in fisheries employing bottom trawling and Danish seines, methods known to release considerable quantities of plastic into marine environments. These fisheries often operate in ecologically sensitive areas, exacerbating the impact of plastic pollution.
roger Larsen, a professor at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, highlights the ongoing efforts to retrieve discarded fishing gear.
Specialists from the Directorate of Fisheries ensure large quantities of discarded fishing gear are collected each year, virtually all of it plastic.roger Larsen, UiT The arctic University of Norway Professor
Larsen further emphasizes the scale of the problem, noting:
But there are still unknown figures. In 2022, for example, no less than 40 kilometers (24 miles) of Danish seine rope was recovered – found by chance and never reported as lost.Roger Larsen, UiT The Arctic University of Norway Professor
To comprehensively address this complex issue, the researchers have devised a four-step plan:
- Developing biodegradable fishing gear.
- Designing simpler gear to enhance recyclability.
- Supporting industrial-scale production of sustainable gear.
- Ensuring effective recycling processes are in place.
karl emphasizes the importance of user-friendliness during the gear’s operational life.
An vital aim is thus to develop materials and fishing gear which are user-amiable during what we call the ‘service period,’ but then degrade rapidly.Christian Karl, SINTEF Researcher
The team is conducting extensive long-term degradation tests across various marine environments to develop effective biodegradable alternatives. These tests,conducted at temperatures ranging from 4 degrees-C to 27 degrees-C (39 degrees-F to 81 degrees-F),compare the breakdown rates of biodegradable materials against those of conventional fishing gear.
According to Karl:
The tests will continue for at least three years, or until the materials have wholly degraded. We will study microbiological, UV, thermal and chemical degradation in detail.Christian Karl, SINTEF Researcher
The researchers have already achieved a significant milestone by developing a biodegradable option that fully decomposes within a few years without leaving harmful microplastics. Initial tests indicate that this option maintains comparable catch efficiency to conventional gear,offering a promising outlook for fisheries seeking sustainable solutions.
the degradation timeline is substantially influenced by environmental conditions, including temperature, light exposure, and microbial activity. These factors play a crucial role in determining how quickly biodegradable materials break down in different marine habitats.
Larsen notes the progress made:
with degradable fishing nets, we’ve achieved 70 percent of the properties needed. That’s why we’re now looking for the perfect combination of materials. Nets are perhaps the biggest challenge – they must be thin and invisible to fish, yet strong and elastic to work as well as nylon.Roger Larsen, UiT The Arctic University of Norway Professor
For longline fishing, biodegradable alternatives have demonstrated performance on par with nylon, showing no significant impact on catch rates. A bio-polyester developed by the Dutch company SENBIS shows promise for Danish seine fishing, particularly for the rope arms that guide fish toward the net. however,the high cost of this material remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption.
Larsen explains the economic challenges:
This soon becomes too expensive for fishermen with small quotas. We need cheaper alternatives, such as wood fiber, animal hide or cotton.Roger Larsen, UiT The Arctic University of Norway professor
He also mentions the reconsideration of cowhide, a material used for centuries in bottom trawling, with Dutch researchers even testing the hide of Yak bulls with good results.
Despite these advancements,significant challenges persist. Fishing gear frequently enough comprises multiple materials, such as steel or lead cores and copper coatings, which complicate the recycling process. Researchers emphasize the critical need for cross-sector collaboration to enhance the sustainability of fisheries.
Karl emphasizes the importance of local solutions to global problems:
In this way, we can solve global problems at a local level. Little by little, we are making steady progress in overcoming the challenges associated with the quality of recycled materials or the removal of copper from fishing gear.<
Ending Ghost Fishing: A deep Dive into Biodegradable Fishing Gear
Did you know that lost fishing gear, often called “ghost nets,” is a meaningful contributor to ocean plastic pollution, silently endangering marine life for decades? This interview explores the innovative solutions being developed to combat this pervasive problem.
Interviewer: Dr.Anya sharma, Senior editor, world-today-news.com
Expert: Dr. Evelyn Reed, Marine Biomaterials Scientist adn expert in sustainable fisheries.
Dr. Sharma: Dr. Reed, the advancement of biodegradable fishing gear is gaining significant traction. Can you elaborate on the urgent need for this innovation and its potential impact on marine ecosystems?
Dr. Reed: Absolutely. The critical issue is the sheer volume of lost or discarded fishing gear—nylon nets, ropes, and lines—that persist in our oceans for decades, even centuries. This “ghost fishing gear,” as its often called, continues to trap and kill marine animals long after it’s been abandoned. The resulting entanglement leads to fatalities among various species, disrupting delicate food chains and causing significant biodiversity loss. Moreover, the gradual breakdown of these synthetic materials releases microplastics, contaminating the marine environment and entering the human food chain. Developing biodegradable alternatives is crucial to mitigating these devastating consequences and promoting sustainable fishing practices. This transition is essential for the long-term health of our oceans and the preservation of marine ecosystems.
Dr. Sharma: The article mentions the D-Solve project. How significant is this collaborative effort, and what are some of the key challenges faced in developing truly effective biodegradable fishing gear?
Dr. Reed: The D-Solve project, and similar initiatives globally, represent a vital step forward in addressing this multifaceted issue. Collaboration is key because developing these materials requires expertise across disciplines – from polymer chemistry and materials science to marine biology and fisheries management. Key challenges include:
Biodegradability: Achieving complete and timely biodegradation in diverse marine environments is challenging. The rate of degradation can vary significantly based on factors like water temperature, sunlight exposure, and microbial activity.
Performance: Biodegradable materials must match or exceed the strength, durability, and functionality of conventional synthetic gear. This is crucial to ensure fishermen readily adopt these alternatives.
Cost-effectiveness: Making biodegradable fishing gear economically viable for fishermen,especially those in smaller-scale operations,is vital for widespread adoption.
Scalability: Scaling up production to meet the immense global demand for fishing gear presents logistical and economic hurdles.
Dr. Sharma: The interview highlights different materials being explored – from bio-polyesters to even cowhide.What are the pros and cons of various materials being considered as alternatives to synthetic fishing gear?
Dr. Reed: Researchers are exploring a range of materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a brief overview:
Bio-polyesters: Offer good strength and biodegradability but currently face higher production costs, limiting widespread adoption.
Natural fibers (wood fiber, cotton): More environmentally friendly and possibly less expensive but may lack the necessary strength and durability for certain fishing methods.
Animal hides (cowhide, yak hide): Historically used in some fisheries and could offer a sustainable alternative with proper sourcing and processing. However,ethical considerations and potential impacts on land-based animal agriculture must be assessed.
It’s crucial to note that the most suitable material will depend heavily on the specific fishing gear and its application.
Dr. Sharma: What role does recycling play in this broader initiative, and what are some innovative recycling technologies that could support a circular economy for fishing gear?
Dr. Reed: Recycling plays a crucial, complementary role. While biodegradable materials address the ghost fishing issue directly,many existing fishing nets are already in the oceans and need to be removed and recycled. Innovative recycling technologies include:
Chemical recycling: Breaking down plastics into their base monomers for reuse in new products.
Mechanical recycling: Reprocessing used plastics to create new, lower-grade materials.
Energy recovery: Using waste plastics as a fuel source.
A blended approach that integrates biodegradable materials with effective recycling strategies is essential for significantly minimizing marine plastic pollution.
Dr. Sharma: What is the future outlook for biodegradable fishing gear, and what are some important steps that governments, industries, and individuals can take to accelerate its adoption?
Dr. Reed: The future of biodegradable fishing gear is luminous. Continuing research and development, coupled with increased investment and policy support, will drive innovation and bring down costs. We need a collaborative ecosystem.Governments can:
Implement policies and regulations that incentivize the use of sustainable fishing gear.
Fund research and development of innovative materials and recycling technologies.
Invest in infrastructure for responsible collection and recycling.
Industries can:
Invest in the development and production of high-performing, cost-effective biodegradable materials.
Promote the adoption of sustainable fishing practices among their supply chains.
Individuals can:
Support organizations working to reduce marine plastic pollution.
* Educate themselves and others about the impacts of ghost fishing gear.
By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for our oceans and the vital marine ecosystems they support.
Dr. Sharma: Thank you, Dr. Reed, for your insightful perspectives. This discussion truly highlights the urgency and significance of this crucial initiative. Readers, please share your thoughts and insights in the comments below! Let’s spark a conversation about the sustainable future of our invaluable oceans.
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