Fishermen are now increasingly not only becoming more environmentally aware – they are actively involved in initiating environmental measures in order to preserve stocks and the environment. A key concern over the years from both the fishermen and environmental groups has been ‘ghost fishing’. This occurs following the loss of lobster pots on the sea bed which continue to fish trapping different species and forming a recurring cycle. As a solution to this the fishing industry recognised that a solution would be to fit a bio-degradable pot hook onto all lobster pots. Therefore when a pot is lost, the hook holding the pot door closed would disintegrate thus stopping ‘ghost fishing’.
Following collaboration with Warwick University to develop the polymers used for the hooks, trials have already begun in South Wales. In the 1st set of trials the hooks degraded too quickly, therefore a 2nd round was initiated. These have unfortunately come to a head in very unfortunate circumstances as the gentleman in charge of the trials tragically lost his life at sea.
A 3rd round of trials is due to begin shortly and when the right mix of polymer is found in these smaller trials they will then be trialled pan Wales between the four Associations.
This project is jointly funded by Seafish and CCW. | 
