Nearly three quarters of French and English fishermen would consider using a biodegradable fishing net, according to a recent survey.
More than 200 fishers were surveyed between December 2020 and August 2021 as part of the INdIGO project into the use of plastics in the fishing industry. Gillnetters were the majority (35%) but trawlers, pot fishermen and dredgers also participated in the study.
Performance is key
Whilst almost two thirds of participants would accept a reduction in the lifespan of non-plastic fishing gear, 76.4% reported that a biodegradable net must be as efficient and resistant as traditional nets. Cost is also a factor with half of all respondents anticipating a cost increase of up to 10% and a majority saying that financial assistance to meet the increase would be essential.
Ghost gear
Almost 90% of respondents said that they encounter lost, abandoned or discarded gear at sea with poor weather being cited as the main reason for ghost gear. A lack of awareness and training was also thought to be a factor along with inadequate collection facilities on shore and deliberate discards.
More positively, when ghost gear is encountered, almost all the fishermen in the sample (90%) reported bringing it ashore for disposal.
Finally, with regard to knowledge of the regulations concerning the management of end-of-life fishing gear, 78% of those questioned stated that they were not aware of these regulations with this figure reducing with age.
