Innovation, impacts, challenges and future of synthetic materials in capture fisheries

Adoption of synthetic materials for fishing gears may be one of the greatest advances in global capture fisheries. From the time of wide adoption about seventy years ago, synthetic materials have become the backbone for all fishing gear types and scales from artisanal fisheries operating from canoes in coastal lagoons to fully mechanized factory trawlers and super purse seiners in high seas. It only took about 20 years after they were hailed as savior for increased fish production to feed a growing population in baby boomer era to the realization of persistent plastic litter in the ocean that may last for hundreds of years and associated negative impacts. This essay recounts the history of adoption of synthetic materials in capture fisheries to growing concerns of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), and international effort to minimize the risks posed by these derelict fishing gears. While nondegradable plastics will remain as main materials for fishing gears in the foreseeable future, searching for means and mechanism to reduce the impact of ALDFG, and development of totally biodegradable or recyclable materials will be the focus for future fishing gear designers and material scientists.