Can biodegradable materials reduce plastic pollution without decreasing catch efficiency in longline fishery?

Kristine Cerbule*, Eduardo Grimaldo, Bent Herrmann, Roger B. Larsen, Jure Brčić, Jørgen Vollstad

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

Longlining is a widely used fishing method. During longline fishing, some of the snoods connecting the hooks to the mainline are often lost at sea. Since snoods are made of nylon or polyester, lost snoods contribute to marine plastic pollution. Replacing nylon or polyester with a new material made of biodegradable plastics can potentially reduce macro- and microplastic pollution that is caused by lost snoods. In this study, we estimated the risk for snood loss in a longline fishery targeting haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus (Linnaeus, 1758)) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua (Linnaeus, 1758)) in Barents Sea. Further, we compared catch efficiency in this fishery for snoods made of biodegradable and nylon materials. No significant differences were found between the two materials. Therefore, catch efficiency does not represent a barrier for using biodegradable materials in snoods.
Original languageEnglish
Article number113577
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume178
Number of pages10
ISSN0025-326X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Keywords

  • Marine pollution
  • Biodegradable fishing gear
  • Haddock
  • Atlantic cod

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