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Comparison of physical properties and fishing performance between biodegradable PLA and conventional PA trammel nets in grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) and red-lip mullet (Liza haematocheila) fishery

Abstract

Marine plastic pollution and continuous capture of marine animals, so-called “ghost fishing”, by abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) are global concerns. This study investigated whether biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) monofilaments can be used to replace conventionally used non-biodegradable polyamide (PA) in trammel net fishery for limiting ALDFG associated effects. It evaluated the physical properties of PLA and PA monofilaments and compared fishing performance of PLA and PA trammel nets in a commercial mullet fishery in the Yellow Sea, China. Although PA monofilament exhibited superior physical properties, no significant differences in catch efficiency between PA and PLA trammel nets were observed. Fish of both species were mainly captured by pocketing which can further explain observed similar catch efficiency. These initial results suggest a potential for applying biodegradable materials in trammel net fisheries. Therefore, further long-term testing is encouraged to investigate whether this promising performance is persistent over long-term.
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Category

Academic article

Language

English

Author(s)

  • Mengjie Yu
  • Yanli Tang
  • Minghua Min
  • Bent Herrmann
  • Kristine Cerbule
  • Changdong Liu
  • Yilin Dou
  • Liyou Zhang

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Ocean / Fisheries and New Biomarine Industry
  • Technical University of Denmark
  • UiT The Arctic University of Norway
  • Ocean University of China
  • Chinese Academy of Fishery Science

Year

2023

Published in

Marine Pollution Bulletin

ISSN

0025-326X

Volume

195

View this publication at Norwegian Research Information Repository