Gone fishing: Antibacterial polymer nets to tackle disease

Two plastics companies have been working with the British fishing industry to help to prevent the transfer of bacterial disease and protect the UK’s fish stocks by designing an innovative antibacterial fishing net.

Supplier of masterbatch technology, Silvergate Plastics, along with antimicrobial additive specialist, Addmaster, worked on the project to develop an in-built solution at molecular level, which enhances the performance of filaments and plastics, from which fishing nets are made.

BSafe (short for ‘bacteria safe) began when angler, Derek Willan, concerned about the rising number of fish deaths caused by bacteria, wanted to find an effective and permanent solution to curtail the growing problem and safeguard fish health in the UK.

Using Addmaster’s ‘Biomaster’ technology, which actively inhibits the growth of bacteria, Silvergate Plastics developed a bespoke bacterial-killing additive in a masterbatch that can be engineered into yarn. The anti-bacterial additive works for the lifetime of the product to stop the transfer of disease between fish and fisheries.

The antimicrobial fishing nets, which have been comprehensively tested by an independent laboratory, are said to kill to a 99.9 percent efficacy rate within 24 hours, wet or dry.

Working on the project for CEFAS, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Jason Weeks said the results were “stunning”.

A simple device can reportedly be used by fishery owners and fish farmers to detect the presence of the BSafe technology in any product to verify its presence.

Leading UK fisheries consultant, Dr Bruno Broughton, commented: “Fish are the vital life-blood for the owners and managers of fisheries, and maintaining good fish health is an essential requirement of successful fisheries management. This welcome move will lead to better, fish-safe nets and other products which will raise the bar for fish health standards.”

Addmaster (UK) Ltd. Marketing Manager Karl Shaw added: “This is another great example of how we are able to work with the best in British industry to create an exciting new technology.”