Ghost Fishing Gear: A Major Source of Marine Plastic Pollution
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Plastic pollution in marine environments is a global problem of increasing concern. Commercial fishing activities represent one of the main sources of ocean-based plastic pollution, along with shipping operations. The fishing industry uses large quantities of fishing gear comprised of a combination of materials designed for durability, affordability and flexibility, such as nylon monofilament gill nets and vinyl-coated steel lobster traps (Figure 1).
“Ghost” (or derelict) fishing gear is gear that has been abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded at sea. Ghost fishing gear is estimated to make up 46% to 70% of all macroplastic marine debris by weight. Every year, an estimated 640,000 tonnes of ghost gear enter the world’s oceans, with significant impacts on marine life.