We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Decoding Factors to Fishing for Litter: A Game-Changer for Engaging Fishers in Marine Conservation Initiatives
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated factors influencing fishers' participation in Fishing for Litter (FFL) programs through interviews and surveys of 412 participants, finding that rewards, peer participation, and perceived inconveniences were the strongest predictors of engagement in marine litter removal initiatives.
The ubiquitous presence of marine litter has brought huge environmental pressure. A wide range of measures have been developed to address this problem. This paper focuses on the removal measure—Fishing for Litter (FEL). It aims to identify the potential factors affecting fishers’ participation in the FFL program. A two-step approach, including interviews and questionnaire surveys, was employed. A total of 10 fishers participated in the interviews, and 8 factors were initially identified using thematic analysis and utilized in the questionnaire design. A total of 412 valid samples were collected. Descriptive statistics and binary logit regression were used for data analysis. The results showed that rewards, the participation of other friends, and inconveniences or troubles incurred from handling trash feature most in fishers’ decision-making on the participation. Furthermore, fishers’ views toward marine environments also had a behavioral impact on their participation in the program. Potential management measures were proposed, including reducing inconveniences incurred from handling trash on board as well as at ports, providing rewards, encouraging environmental education for fishers, and distributing information regarding the program. It is hoped that fishers will eventually make it a normal onboard practice to collect trash found at sea and develop a sense of marine environmental stewardship.
More Papers Like This
Fishermen’s participation in marine litter collection schemes in Thailand
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined fishermen's participation in marine litter collection programs in Thailand, exploring motivations, barriers, and the potential for community-based approaches to reduce marine debris. Engaging fishing communities as active participants in cleanup schemes was found to be a promising strategy given their direct dependence on healthy marine environments.
An evaluation of the Fishing For Litter (FFL) scheme in the UK in terms of attitudes, behavior, barriers and opportunities
AI summary Read the abstract
A UK program called Fishing For Litter, where fishing boats collect ocean trash they encounter during normal work, is helping tackle the growing problem of marine litter, including plastics that break down into microplastics and eventually end up in seafood and drinking water. Researchers found that fishers who participate in the program not only feel good about it, but also tend to adopt cleaner waste habits overall, both at sea and on land, suggesting these clean-up efforts can shift behavior at the source rather than just cleaning up after the fact. This matters because reducing ocean plastic pollution at its root may help limit the microplastics that eventually make their
Examining awareness, attitudes and behaviours of stakeholders in Irish Fishing towards plastic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed the Irish fishing community about their awareness and attitudes toward plastic pollution and microplastics, finding that most fishers are aware of the problem and actively remove litter they encounter, but that recycling is hampered by a lack of knowledge and facilities. The study offers the first detailed look at this group's relationship with plastic and points to practical gaps that could be addressed through education and better recycling infrastructure.
Human Perceptions and Behaviour Determine Aquatic Plastic Pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how human behavior and decision-making at every stage of the plastic lifecycle — from production and consumption to disposal — ultimately drives aquatic plastic pollution, arguing that lasting solutions require behavioral change across all sectors rather than purely technological fixes.
Source, fate and management of recreational fishing marine debris
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first global literature review of recreational fishing marine debris, identifying plastic and metal as dominant materials and nearshore reefs and coastal areas as both sources and sinks, while concluding that the sector's contribution to marine debris is likely underestimated and understudied.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.