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US 8,938,908 B2Granted
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 polyhydroxyalkanoate degradable component, 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.
Claims15
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 element that both obstructs said exit and connects to said fishing implement;
- wherein a component of said element comprises a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer;
- wherein said component degrades by weight at least twice as much when said fishing implement is continuously submerged for three months than when said fishing implement is actively fished for three months, wherein when said fishing implement is actively fished for three months said fishing implement is temporarily removed from water being fished at least once every 48 hours;
- and wherein said element physically prevents escape of said targeted aquatic species for a period of at least two months when said fishing implement is actively fished.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.