The reduction of Ghost Fishing by the use of water soluble polymers

Ghost fishing is the term used for lost or abandoned fishing gear that continues to catch fish. It
is environmentally detrimental and the fish caught is wasted. The issue of "ghost fishing" was
first brought to the attention of world at the 16th Session of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations Committee (FAO) on Fisheries.
PVOH Polymers Ltd, a developer and supplier of highly innovative water soluble polymers,
apply to investigate this proof of market study. We will ascertain the financial and practicable
feasibility of the introduction of a water soluble escape mechanism to release fish and
crustaceans if caught in lost lobster and crab pots. Patent searches show the use of a water
soluble polymer developed to break down over a period of months used as a pot release
mechanism to be highly innovative.
During this study we will canvas manufacturers of lobster and fish pots to discuss pot design
and retrofit ideas. We will liaise with the SWWFC and their fishermen members to collate
information regarding to the optimum service life of the release mechanism and the time
required for the periodic replacement of the device. Working with Cefas we will gauge the
possibility of supportive legislation to adopt this type technology.
The completed study will form a report that will cover:
Market acceptance
Retrofits
Pot designs
Cost implications
Time and motions to replace
Legislation
Polymer degradation time scale
Intellectual property search and protection
With this information we will be in a position to commence polymer development and
prototype design.
As well as the detrimental effects of Ghost Fishing on the environment, the financial impact is
also damaging.
The UK has a crab and lobster fisheries industry estimated at a worth in excess of £21m. The
FOA estimate a potential loss of 7% of total landings due to ghost fishing, this represents a
loss of £1,470,000 per annum to the UK economy.