EcoBait AS has developed such a type of bait, based on plant-based by-products combined with marine by-products from the Norwegian seafood industry. A key feature is that the bait swells upon contact with seawater. This provides a controlled and stable release of attractants over time.
In addition, the bait's size, shape, and consistency can be adapted to specific target species. This opens up for the development of species-selective baits which leads to more precise catches.
Large market and great opportunities
The Norwegian longline fleet annually uses bait worth approximately 240 million NOK, and globally the market is worth several billion. Today, most natural bait, such as squid and saury, is imported from Asia and South America.
A formulated and Norwegian-produced bait based on by-products can reduce both transport emissions and costs for longline vessels.
Collaboration for commercialization
To further develop the bait, particularly for selective catches of cod and haddock, EcoBait AS is now collaborating with Møreforsking. The project will identify which attractants trigger the strongest response in different species. It will also include testing in controlled tank experiments and fishing trials aboard commercial autoline vessels.
The goal is to lay the groundwork for the commercial use of a more efficient, sustainable, and species-selective longline bait.
The project is funded through FHF's Project in Company scheme.
More about this project
The LineAgn project will develop an effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative to today's imported bait.
