BESE-mesh biopolymer is the biodegradable alternative for plastic mesh. The main application for BESE-mesh is in oyster reef restoration, where it can be used to create bags of dead oyster shells. After oysters have established on the dead shells, the mesh bags break down, leaving only a thriving oyster reef behind.
Biodegradable alternative for plastic mesh
Oyster reef restoration efforts all over the world use plastic mesh bags. This plastic remains in, and pollutes the ecosystem. BESE-mesh is made of biodegradable biopolymer. After oysters have established, BESE-mesh breaks down leaving only a natural oyster reef behind. This makes it a great biodegradable mesh for oyster reef restoration.
Other uses of biodegradable mesh
Besides oyster reef restoration, BESE-mesh can also function as a grow-bag for aquatic vegetation. When filled with coral rubble or stones, the bags can serve as an artificial reef or wave breaker for kickstarting coral reef restoration. Many further uses are possible.
Global use of biodegradable mesh for oyster reef restoration
BESE-mesh is being used all over the world for the restoration of oyster reefs. Along the east and west coasts of the United States, BESE-mesh is helping in efforts to restore the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). In Europe, BESE-mesh is being used to restore the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) in wind farms in the North Sea, and also along parts of the French coast. In Asia and Australia, BESE-mesh is being used in projects to restore of rock oysters (Saccostrea).
Two types of biodegradable mesh for oyster reef restoration
A major challenge of working throughout the world is finding the optimal degradation time. Each ecosystem has different climates and conditions, which affects the speed at which BESE-mesh is broken down. Biodegradation is faster in tropical climates like Florida, and much slower in colder areas like the North Sea.
At BESE, we are continually striving to improve our products even further. Therefore, we are designing multiple types of BESE-mesh to ensure optimal degradation in different climate zones. Depending on the climate you work in we either recommend the fast degrading or the slow degrading mesh.
Field testing of these new types is ongoing, so stay tuned for updates on this exciting development. The latest scientific publications can be found here.
FAQ BESE-mesh biopolymer
There are three different types of BESE-mesh biopolymer. The orange type biodegrades in 1-5 years, the white and black types biodegrade in an estimated 5-20 years. The speed of this process depends on a number of factors, both biotic and abiotic, such as temperature, oxygen levels, and the types of micro-organisms present in the environment.
BESE-mesh is made of waste potato starch from the French fries industry.
BESE-mesh can be used for the restoration of oyster reefs, submerged aquatic vegetation and coral reefs, to name but a few.
More information about our products can be found in our factsheet. You can contact us or request a quote for the price.
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