We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Relative abundance of derelict fishing gear in the Hawaii-based pelagic longline fishery grounds as estimated from fishery observer data
Summary
Researchers used fishing observer data from Hawaii's longline fishery to estimate that derelict (lost or abandoned) fishing gear declined roughly 66% in the North Pacific between 2008 and 2016, with concentrations highest near the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, suggesting fishermen could serve as a practical ocean cleanup resource.
Derelict fishing gear (DFG) is abundant across the remote North Pacific Ocean, accumulating in convergence zones that coincide with the fishing grounds of the Hawai'i-based pelagic longline fishery. Longlines are prone to snagging DFG, providing an opportunistic, yet regular, reporting mechanism by longline fishery observers (fishery-dependent data). We apply a zero-inflated negative binomial model previously used to standardize catch per unit effort (CPUE) for bycatch and incidentally caught species in this fishery to estimate DFG relative abundance and qualitative trends within the longline fishing grounds. During 2008-2016, observers reported 1326 marine debris items intercepted by longlines, dominated by DFG at nearly 90%. Modeling results suggest that the relative abundance of DFG has declined ~66% from 2008-2016. DFG standardized CPUE was higher for longlines fished inside the North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone (versus outside) and increased moving eastward and northward toward the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Despite substantially less effort in the shallow-set sector of the fishery (∼60 m depth), DFG standardized CPUE was four-fold greater than that of the deep-set sector (∼250 m) suggesting that marine debris observer reporting focused in this sector may be most effective. Some fishermen voluntarily stow snagged debris; incentivizing at-sea removal may elicit further cooperation.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Hawai'i's ALDFG bounty program contributes to removal, prevention, recycling, and partnerships
This study evaluated the effectiveness of Hawaii's bounty program for recovering abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, which forms large tangled masses that damage coral reefs, entangle endangered species, and create navigational hazards. The program contributed to removal and recycling of substantial quantities of ocean plastic debris.
Source, fate and management of recreational fishing marine debris
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.
Ghost Fishing Gear: An Overlooked Threat in Marine Debris Management
This review examines the problem of abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear, often called ghost gear, which continues to catch and kill marine life long after it is lost at sea. The synthetic materials in this gear break down into microplastics and damage ecosystems including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and seafloor habitats. The authors call for stronger policies, biodegradable fishing materials, and better gear tracking technologies to address this overlooked source of ocean plastic pollution.
Hawai'i's ALDFG bounty program contributes to removal, prevention, recycling, and partnerships
Researchers described Hawaii's abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear bounty program, which incentivizes recovery of large marine debris including ghost nets that damage coral reefs and entangle wildlife. The program removed substantial quantities of plastic marine debris and provided data on debris sources and composition.
From sea to shore: Estimating used, lost and stranded fishing gear in the Southeastern Bay of Biscay through models and a novel gear identification key
Researchers estimated that 211 tons of plastic fishing gear were used and 6 tons lost in the Southeastern Bay of Biscay in 2023, with gillnets and longlines most commonly lost; beach surveys identified 7.6% of collected items as fishing-related, predominantly mending pieces composed of polyethylene and polypropylene.