A RESPONSE TO THE BEST PRACTICE FRAMEWORK FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FISHING GEAR 2017​​

Each year an estimated 640,000 tons of fishing gear is lost
or abandoned in oceans, estuaries, and bays. It accounts
for around 10% of all marine litter. Whether intentionally
discarded or accidentally lost, this ‘ghost gear’ stays
in the oceans for hundreds of years and is a growing
problem in many marine environments worldwide.
Ghost gear is recognised as one of the deadliest forms
of marine litter. It catches and wastes targeted marine
species. It also entangles other marine wildlife, adds
to ocean garbage, and is expensive and hazardous for
fishermen and marine communities to deal with.
Fishing gear loss occurs for a variety of reasons. It may
be lost through storms, interaction with other gear
or vessels, or vandalism. More rarely it may also be
abandoned or discarded.

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