Fishing Net Recycling Initiatives in Hokkaido-Current Status and Issues

Abstract

The Hokkaido Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations has been engaged in the recycling of nylon gill nets for a period of three years. This initiative has been undertaken with the dual objective of reducing the environmental impact of these nets and of reusing resources. The used gill nets are collected from fishermen in Hokkaido and subsequently supplied to a partner company, Suzuki Shokai Co Ltd., which has a recycling plant. However, the recycling rate of gill nets has been no more than 10% due to the necessity of separating the nylon netting from other materials for recycling and the additional cost associated with the collection and transportation of the nylon netting. In some instances, inadequate separation and the mixing of materials other than nylon, such as rope, during collection have occurred, which further increases the cost of separation and makes collection more challenging. We are working to address these issues individually to advance the recycling of nylon gill nets. In the future, we intend to conduct research on the recycling of various types of fishing gear, such as aquaculture baskets, ropes, and floats.