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Smart acoustic tagging and robotic recovery systems for ghost gear pollution

Open Access Government 2026

Summary

Researchers deployed smart acoustic tagging and robotic recovery systems — developed in partnership with fishers — to track and retrieve abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, which accounts for roughly 10% of all ocean plastic and poses severe ecological and economic harm.

Study Type Environmental

Smart acoustic tagging and robotic recovery systems for ghost gear pollution Partnering with fishers, NETTAG+ delivers smart, environmentally friendly solutions to reduce ALDFG and the environmental impacts of fishing gear. Abandoned, Lost or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) is recognised as one of the most harmful and persistent forms of marine litter, estimated to account for 10% of all plastic in the Ocean. (1) Predominantly composed of plastic, ALDFG can persist for long periods, posing several adverse environmental and socio-economic impacts. In 2018, the European Union (EU) (2) reported that at least 20% of EU fishing gear is lost or discarded at sea, totalling up to 11,000 tonnes.

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