Objectives

The INdIGO project has two main objectives: to develop the first fishing gear with a controlled lifespan that is biodegradable in the marine environment and to improve the recycling of fishing gear at the end of its life.

The main expected result is to develop a prototype fishing gear that is resistant and biodegradable in the marine environment. Professionals from the fishing and aquaculture sectors have been involved in the project from the beginning to ensure that the new products meet their needs and that they can then use them. The aim is also to influence new regulations.

INdIGO is also working to improve the prevention and management of pollution generated by used fishing gear, by identifying existing collection and recycling channels and developing a mobile application to locate fishing gears that have already been lost.

Using four work modules, INdIGO covers the entire fishing gear production chain, from formulation, filaments manufacturing, to prototype net development. The deployment of the net at sea, durability tests and technical and economic analysis are also planned. Finally, a life-cycle analysis will be completed to avoid pollution transfer.

The involvment of SMEs aims to ensure the economic sustainability of the project by exploiting the results. This expertise in the sector should enable the INdIGO partnership to develop products adapted to the needs of the market, competitive with current alternatives, while reducing the impact on the environment.

INdIGO also includes an educational aspect through the development of a mobile application to locate gear already lost, related to fishing and aquaculture activities. This will enable the mapping of pollution in the cross-Channel zone area and will raise awareness of plastic pollution among divers, walkers and fishermen.