Fishing gear with degradable component
AssigneeCollege of William and Mary
InventorsKirk J. Havens, Donna Marie Bilkovic, David M. Stanhope, Kory T. Angstadt
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Abstract
Herein we describe fishing gear having a degradable component comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, as well as methods for ensuring that such gear has reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict fishing gear has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use gear that will lose the ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating a degradable apparatus into such gear provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable components are described herein.
Claims20
An apparatus comprising:
- a fishing implement having a boundary defining an enclosed space sufficient to house a targeted aquatic species;
- an entrance in said boundary sufficient to allow said targeted aquatic species to enter said enclosed space;
- an exit in said boundary, wherein said exit is at least as large as said entrance;
- an apparatus that both obstructs said exit and connects to said fishing implement;
- wherein a component of said apparatus comprises a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, wherein said component degrades by weight at least twice as much when said fishing implement is continuously submerged for six months than when said fishing gear is actively fished for six months.
An apparatus suitable for attachment to fishing gear comprising:
- a first component comprising a continuous piece of polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer;
- a second component selected from the group consisting of a physical barrier and a connector, wherein said first component and said second component form an apparatus capable of retaining a targeted aquatic species within said fishing gear;
- wherein said first component is capable of degrading in order to release said targeted aquatic species from said fishing gear;
- and
- wherein said first component degrades by weight at least twice as much when said fishing gear is continuously submerged for six months than when said fishing gear is actively fished for six months.
A method of using an apparatus suitable for attachment to fishing gear comprising the steps of:
- providing a first component comprising a continuous piece of polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer and a second component selected from the group consisting of a physical barrier and connector, wherein said first component and said second component form an apparatus capable of retaining a targeted aquatic species within said fishing gear;
- exposing said apparatus to an aquatic environment;
- and
- degrading said first component to allow release of said targeted aquatic species from said fishing gear, wherein said first component degrades by weight at least twice as much when said fishing gear is continuously submerged for six months than when said fishing gear is actively fished for six months.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.