Comparison of the efficiency and modes of capture of biodegradable versus nylon gillnets in the Northeast Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) fishery

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 178; p. 113618
• Main Authors: Cerbule, Kristine, Herrmann, Bent, Grimaldo, Eduardo, Larsen, Roger B., Savina, Esther, Vollstad, Jørgen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2022; Elsevier BV; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Atlantic cod; Biodegradability; Biodegradable materials; Biodegradation; Catch efficiency; Durability; Efficiency; Elasticity; Fisheries; Fishing; Fishing gear; Gadus morhua; Gillnet fishery; Gillnets; Gills; Marine animals; Marine fishes; Marine organisms; Marine pollution; Material properties; Modes; Modes of capture; Nylon; Nylons; Plastic pollution; Plastics; Gillnet fishery; Biodegradable materials; Modes of capture; Catch efficiency; Atlantic cod; Plastic pollution
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113618

Modern gillnets are usually made of nylon with high breaking strength, suitable elasticity and durability making them an efficient fishing gear. Lost, abandoned, or discarded gillnets at sea cause plastic pollution and can continue capturing marine animals over long periods of time. Biodegradable materials are being developed to replace nylon in gillnets. However, biodegradable gillnets have shown reduced catch efficiency compared to the nylon gillnets which challenges their acceptance by the fishing sector. This study investigated catch efficiency and modes of capture between biodegradable and nylon gillnets in commercial cod (Gadus morhua) fishery. On average, new biodegradable gillnets caught 25% fewer cod compared to new nylon gillnets. The main capture modes were by the gills and by the body in used and new biodegradable gillnets, respectively. Differences in catch efficiency are related to specific modes of capture that may be related to differences in material properties. •Lost gillnets cause plastic pollution and can lead to ghost fishing.•Biodegradable materials are being tested to replace nylon in gillnets.•Biodegradable gillnets retained significantly fewer cod compared to nylon gillnets.•Reduced catchability of biodegradable gillnets is related to modes of fish capture.•Modes of fish capture may be related to differences in gillnet material properties.