Project Progress: Understanding the market

A key objective of the project is to identify the potential for biobased ropes to minimise the use of plastic in aquaculture. To understand this, partners have undertaken a number of activities over the project’s first year, including a scientific literature review, and information on marine litter generated by aquaculture and its associated impacts. This information came from a review conducted in the ongoing BLUENET project, which will create new life from abandoned or lost fishing and aquaculture gears. This knowledge alongside stakeholder contributions and industrial knowledge from partner ITSASKORDA allowed the project to estimate the amount of ropes used for mussel production. In addition, a market analysis was conducted by AZTI to better understand demand for ropes in aquaculture, particularly for mussel and seaweed production across Europe. This analysis considered current market trends for biomaterials, relevant actors, policies and socioeconomic factors driving the market, the rope manufacturing sector and aquaculture producers’ willingness to buy and use biogears within the mussel and seaweed farming sectors. The costs associated with biogears and their market potential could then be better understood.

A stakeholder consultation is currently underway to evaluate marine litter awareness, knowledge of biobased materials as alternatives, and willingness to buy and use biogears in the European aquaculture sector. This consultation has been distributed to aquaculture producers, governing bodies, policymakers, associated projects, and through the project partners’ networks. For more information on the consultation please click here. BIOGEARS partners are also running a short survey to gain insight into consumer perceptions of biogears, and their buying practices for seaweed and mussels.