Development of Biodegradable Soft Bait Fishing Lures from Natural Materials

There is an increase in reporting of angling activities linked to environmental pollution and exploitation. Soft plastic lures (SPLs) are a major pollution source arising from recreational angling. A small portion of SPLs currently commercially available are designed to be more environmentally friendly alternatives to PVC as they are biodegradable and are manufactured using natural and/or food-grade ingredients. Moreover, these natural lures can successfully degrade in water and are thus more likely to be passed through the digestive tracts of aquatic organisms. However, these lures also have disadvantages that limit their general acceptance by recreational anglers, and typically, to be commercially successful and generally accepted by recreational anglers, these alternatives must also display cohesive material strength, high flexibility, prey-like movement through the water column, and surface topology that mimics live bait. These natural lures must also be resilient enough to withstand repeated stress from water impacts during drag from a line or line castings, trollings and reeling. Lastly, the lures must also be non-perishable, retain plasticity, contain fish attractant and able to be stored for long-term in order to be accepted as commercially viable.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ali Ahmadi

Student:

Elias Madadian;Tina Navaei

Partner:

Clean Catch Baits

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Prince Edward Island