Governance incentives to increase the use of biodegradable materials

This research area will develop case studies within fisheries and aquaculture to describe and quantify possible effects of using biodegradable materials on marine resources under different objectives and management scenarios. The research area will assess the economic effects of non-biodegradable materials used in fisheries and aquaculture and evaluate the costs and benefits related to ecosystem services from introducing biodegradable materials in the marine industries. Further analyze institutional incentive mechanisms and assess public support systems to reduce risk and promote implementation of biodegradable innovations. The Research Area focus both on comparative economic studies between non-users and users of biodegradable gears in fisheries and aquaculture, and studies on regulatory changes needed to enhance the use of biodegradable materials.