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Lost Fishing Gear Generated by Artisanal Fishing Along the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast: Quantities and Causes of Loss
Summary
A survey of 138 artisanal fishermen along Morocco's Mediterranean coast found that over 20,000 kg of fishing gear is lost annually — roughly 29% of all gear used — with net-gear accounting for the majority of losses and adverse weather as the primary cause. These findings help quantify the scale of ghost gear as a source of marine plastic pollution and support the case for improved gear tracking and maintenance protocols.
Lost fishing gear (LFG), also known as “ghost gear,” is a global environmental problem that constitutes a substantial portion of marine plastic pollution, resulting in significant socio-economic and ecological impacts. This paper estimates the quantities and primary causes of gear loss along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast through surveys conducted with 138 artisanal fishermen, covering a total of twelve different types of fishing gear. In total, 20,115 kg of fishing gear was lost, averaging 138.29 ± 120.69 kg boat−1 year−1. This represents approximately 28.97% of all gear used across 26,568 annual fishing trips (averaging 192 trips boat−1 year−1). The study period spanned from January 2022 to February 2023. Net-gear emerged as the most frequently lost category (65.91%). Substantial percentages of gear loss were also recorded for trammel nets (36.93%), gillnets (24.65%), and octopus jigs (23.41%). According to the responses of the fishermen surveyed, adverse meteorological and oceanographic conditions were the main cause of loss (57%), followed by marine animal attacks (19%) and fishing gear conflicts (14%). These findings are crucial for addressing data gaps on quantities of lost fishing gear released from the artisanal fisheries sector, and to contribute to the development of strategies to reduce this environmental problem. These include the regular maintenance of fishing gear, improved gear marking, the adoption of tracking devices to ensure the traceability of lost gear, and the implementation of awareness-raising and incentive programs for fishermen. These measures help to limit gear loss while promoting the sustainability of fishing activities and the protection of marine ecosystems.