One possible way of tackling plastic litter in bodies of water could be the use of marine-degradable polymers in fishing equipment.
Meredian Holdings Group Inc. says its polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer could reduce litter generated by recreational fishing. The firm claims to have developed the first certified biodegradable plastic freshwater fishing lure based on its Nodax PHA.
Meridian of Bainbridge, Ga., says the new lure performs as well as its counterpart molded from conventional plastic. The company says its PHA biodegrades completely in fresh water, similar to the biodegradability it achieves in soil and industrial composting.
“As an avid fisherman, I've seen firsthand the plastic pollution in the ocean,” said CEO and Chairman Paul Pereira in a news release. “When you think of all the fisherman out there, and how many lures get lost each season, it is hard to think of all that plastic that will sit in the ocean for hundreds of years to come. The same thing applies to fresh water fishing but in a larger scale.”
“Meridian has been driving towards this for a long time,” added Scott Tuten, Meridian chief marketing officer. “Producing a lure that is biodegradable makes an outdoor sport I enjoy, better for everyone and the environment.”
The degradable lure will be debuted at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trade Show in Orlando, Fla., July 14-17. Meredian will reveal at the show which nationally recognized tackle company made the lures.
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