Seaweed-based bioplastic replacement for commercial lobster fishing gear.

Viable Gear will provide proof-of-concept for a seaweed-based bioplastic to be used in manufacturing a compostable biotwine for marine equipment, designed to replace petroleum-based plastics. This addresses NOM-SBIR research topic area 9.3, The Changing Ocean - specifically to "support increased protection and restoration of marine and coastal habitats to enhance vital ecosystems", by helping decrease macro and microplastic pollution. This is a critical need, since broken-down or lost fishing/aquaculture gear comprises ~ 70% of ocean-based macroplastics. Technical questions to be addressed include whether seaweed can be the primary component of a bioplastics durable enough to last in the ocean for a minimum of six months and whether it can be created without petroleum-based toxic additives that are typical in mainstream plastics and bioplastics. Seaweed-based fiber twine using brown macroalgae (class Phaeophycean) will be created, and the project will test alginate ratios, other polysaccharide additives like agar and carrageenan and innovating with additives such as chitin and cellulose, and wool for a biotwine that will be used to replace nylon and poly gear used in bait bags in the commercial fishing industry. The biotwine will be ocean tested for strength and durability. A preliminary cost analysis will also be compiled.