Biodegradable fishing nets: sustainability and efficiency

share this post

Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
Share on twitter
Share on email

The E-REDES project is implementing an unprecedented pilot study, where fishing nets are made from a biodegradable resin, specifically designed for the manufacture of monofilaments to be used in fishing nets, are provided to the local fishing community.


The amount, distribution and effects of lost fishing gear have risen substantially in past decades with the rapid expansion of fishing effort and the use of synthetic, durable and buoyant materials. As a result, marine pollution caused by non-degradable plastics has become one of the most serious problems worldwide.

The project will equip the more than 30 vessels that operate on the coast of Esposende, providing the vessels that chose to support this initiative, biodegradable nets during the one-year experimental period.


The E-Redes project is a project cofounded by EEA Grants and promoted by the Municipality of Esposende, in partnership with the municipal company Esposende Ambiente, the University of Minho and the Environmental Association - Rio Neiva. It should be noted that the E-Redes project contributes to the fulfillment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, namely SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12 - Sustainable production and consumption, SDG 14 – Life below water and the SDG 17 - Partnerships for Sustainable Development.

Opinions on the efficiency and durability of the nets are being collected from the adherent fishermen, now equipped with these innovative biodegradable nets. The project will equip the more than 30 vessels that operate on the coast of Esposende, providing the vessels that chose to support this initiative, biodegradable nets during the one-year experimental period. Its future use can only be ensured if the fishing community is fully informed about its fishing efficiency and the advantages for the marine environment.

The new filaments are being tested in the laboratory, in order to obtain mechanical characteristics such as: tensile strength, abrasion resistance, fatigue resistance, deformability, cut resistance, among others. Additionally, characteristics of durability and resistance to exposure to various conditions of environmental degradation such as wetting and drying, exposure to UVs, exposure to acidic or alkaline environments, salts or chemical agents will also be tested in the laboratory.

Alongside, a thorough study and update of the state of knowledge will be conducted in order to determine the physical properties to be measured, the procedures to be adopted in the characterization of the degradation of biodegradable monofilaments, to promote the capacity building for producing fishing gear from selected biodegradable monofilaments, and to compare the fishing performance of nets made of conventional nylon and of the biodegradable material. Preliminary results are encouraging showing high fishing performance from biodegradable nets.

find out more

Financed by:

a promover uma pesca sustentável

Programme operator

republica portuguesa

Promotor

esponsende

Partners

Project financed by
Iceland, Liechenstein and Norway through EEA Grants

follow us

© 2021 E-Redes Esposende. All rights reserved.

en_USEnglish
pt_PTPortuguese en_USEnglish