Introducing Eco-Bait!

The new way to bait Conch and Eel Pots

LaMonica Fine Foods LLC is proud to introduce, “Eco-Bait” to the pot fishing community. This bait is based on 5 years of research by Nancy Targett of the University of Delaware and was designed to reduce the dependence on horseshoe crabs in the conch and eel fisheries. In an effort to realize Dr. Targett’s research commercially and to make the bait widely available and affordable, LaMonica Fine Foods LLC undertook the challenge to adapt that research into a bait that would be reproducible in the quantities required to satisfy the needs of all pot fisheries. Many formula modifications were tested in the lab and in the wild by conch fishermen. The final result, “Eco-Bait” is mass producible and enhanced, yet retains all of the qualities that make this bait a major breakthrough for pot fishermen and the environment.
It works because the bait is made with horseshoe crabs but its unique design makes more efficient use of the crabs. Ground up crabs are evenly dispersed within a gelatinous but firm media that time releases the attractants throughout the potting period. The quantity of horseshoe crab, per pot, is dramatically reduced but the attractant in the crab is more available to the conch or eels, and remains at a constant level thereby increasing efficiency and maximizing the use of the crab. Eco-Bait is 15 times more efficient than traditional bait, thus reducing the number of horseshoe crabs needed industry wide. It also works because LaMonica Fine Foods has engineered surf clam bellies into the bait which is widely known as an effective attractant on its own.
Furthermore, the bait is adaptable. It can be modified to accommodate the needs of other fisheries and can even be tailored to meet the challenges of regional differences in fisheries. “Eco-Bait” is made in slabs and is packed in a folding waxed cardboard box. The slab is equivalent to fifty baits but the end user can decide to use less or more per pot. The bait requires refrigeration. If the bait is frozen, noticeable changes will occur including weeping. It is unclear at this point what effect freezing has on the function of the bait.
“Eco-Bait”, short for “Ecology-Bait”, is a major accomplishment in the effort to preserve horseshoe crabs, and is a sterling example of science and industry working together to produce results that benefit everyone. Note that “Eco-Bait” is 100% natural, bio-degradable and “green”. And it works as effectively, or better, than traditional baits. 

 

Featured Articles:

Team Whips Up Formula to Save Horseshoe Crabs - USA Today

New artificial bait may cut use of horseshoe crabs - Press of Atlantic City

Bait Alternative - University of Delaware

Researchers declare success in 15-year quest for artificial bait - Philly.com

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