In order to establish a blue economy or ensure more sustainable utilisation of ocean resources, offshore aquaculture presents itself as a viable opportunity. In offshore mussel farms, for example, mussels are produced on long ropes which are held underwater.
"These ropes, however, are made from plastic, threatening marine ecosystems, if discarded or not disposed of correctly … As the aquaculture sector experiences increasing demand, more ropes are needed," the EU's Maritime department explained in a press release dated the 22nd December, 2021.
To meet increasing demand whilst ensuring the absence of plastic or non-sustainable material in ropes, the EU-funded Biogears project strives to provide innovative, bio-based ropes that contribute to the blue economy within aquaculture. It was launched in 2019 and develops various prototypes of bio-based ropes for mussel and seaweed production.
The project has, so far, produced compostable plastics made up of natural components derived from renewable biomass. It aims to obtain a kind of plastic that does not decompose when at sea but is compostable, when it is no longer of use. The ropes developed by Biogears are tested at sea under various environmental conditions. It assesses a number of sustainable factors: technical, environmental and economic, as well as its degradability and the composting conditions.
 |
| Image credit: EU Ocean and Fisheries |
Biogears has assisted with understanding the type and extent of marine litter produced by aquaculture and their impacts on the marine environment, as well as measuring the impact of plastic ropes in the production and quality of mussel yields.
"From the first industrial prototyping trials, we now know that it is possible to manufacture bio-gears as an innovative solution for an eco-friendly offshore aquaculture sector in Europe. It is exciting to see that we are making the change possible," explained Leire Arantzamendi, the project coordinator.
Outside of the project the bio-based ropes are capable of being adapted for aquaculture and fisheries' needs. Its objectives incorporate a positive impact on aquaculture's sustainability through the development of eco-friendly ropes and aquaculture production; a positive economic impact through supporting a circular economy; and a societal impact by supporting public policy to reduce marine litter, create new employment opportunities and promote responsible production and consumption.
The EU-funded project follows the EU's vision of a sustainable blue economy under the European Green Deal, and contributes to European policies on plastics and microplastics.
For more information on Biogears visit their website, HERE.
The Aquaculturists
No comments:
Post a Comment