The NetImpact project, entitled “Biobased & biodegradable marine nets: Environmental and health impacts due to leachates and micro- & nano-plastics”, is funded by the ANR (ANR-25-CE34-7089-05). This project (2026–2028) is led by Prof. Rachid Amara of the Université Littoral de la Côte d’Opale and involves five research groups, including the Aquatic Ecotoxicology team at the UMR EPOC.
This project aims to study the environmental and health impacts associated with the use of plastics in aquaculture, particularly in bouchot mussel farming, by focusing on biodegradable alternatives, which are considered more sustainable and less harmful. As these biodegradable nets are new to the market, information on their chemical composition, durability and potential harm remains limited. It is therefore necessary to ensure that they do not pose a risk to farmed mussels, marine ecosystems or human health. This project aims to compare the impact of biodegradable nets with that of conventional, petroleum-based, non-biodegradable nets. It will analyse their composition, the potential release of microplastics, nanoplastics, oligomers and other harmful chemicals (additives or unintentionally added substances), as well as their toxicity to mussels, the environment and consumers. The expected results will help to improve our understanding of the impacts of these new plastic materials used in mussel farming.