Evaluating potential biodegradable twines for use in the snow crab fishery off Newfoundland and Labrador

•Five types of biodegradable twines were tested for their possible use in snow crab traps to reduce ghost-fishing of lost traps.•Breaking strength of twines was measured over a period of 124 days at sea.•The 3-ply cotton 96-thread twine was determined to be among the best performing twines.•Use of this particular twine is now mandatory for snow crab traps in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada). Several technological advancements exist for the purpose of disabling baited traps if they are lost or abandoned at sea. In this study, we investigated various biodegradable twines for their potential use in the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery off Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The twines were deployed at sea for a duration of 124 days to measure degradation in breaking strength (kgf) over time. Results revealed significant variation in degradation rates among the twine types tested. Among the best performing twines, was the 3-ply cotton 96-thread twine. This twine exhibited a rapid and noticeable decline in breaking strength over the period of study with a total reduction of 63% of the initial strength upon conclusion of the study. This particular twine is now a mandatory condition of licence for all fishing enterprises targeting snow crab in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.