What Is Ghost Fishing?
Ghost fishing refers to the phenomenon where abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear continues to trap and kill marine life. This derelict fishing gear, often made of durable synthetic materials, can remain active in the marine environment for decades, indiscriminately catching fish, crustaceans, marine mammals, and seabirds without human intervention33, 34. This issue falls under the broader category of Environmental Economics because it represents a significant externality, impacting marine ecosystems and leading to substantial Economic Loss for commercial fisheries and coastal communities. The term "ghost fishing" highlights the invisible and persistent nature of this threat, as the gear continues its function even when no longer controlled by a fisher.
History and Origin
The issue of ghost fishing gained global recognition at the 16th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on Fisheries in April 198532. This international acknowledgment laid the groundwork for future studies and initiatives aimed at understanding and mitigating the problem. In 2009, a joint report by the FAO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) formally reviewed the magnitude and composition of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), emphasizing its growing concern as a form of marine debris30, 31. This report underscored that while comprehensive global estimates were challenging to ascertain, gillnets and fishing traps/pots were identified as common types of ALDFG, persistently contributing to ghost fishing and its devastating impacts on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health29. Modern fishing gear, predominantly made from non-biodegradable synthetic fibers, can theoretically continue to capture marine life for extended periods, intensifying the problem over time28.
Key Takeaways
- Ghost fishing occurs when lost or abandoned fishing gear continues to ensnare and kill marine life.
- It is a significant environmental issue with substantial economic implications for fisheries.
- Estimates suggest hundreds of thousands of tons of fishing gear are lost or discarded annually.27
- The persistence of synthetic materials in modern gear prolongs the impact of ghost fishing.
- Mitigation efforts involve prevention, removal, and technological advancements like biodegradable gear.
Interpreting Ghost Fishing
Interpreting the impact of ghost fishing involves understanding its dual nature: the direct environmental harm and the indirect economic consequences. Environmentally, ghost fishing leads to indiscriminate mortality of diverse marine species, including commercially valuable fish stocks, endangered marine mammals, and seabirds25, 26. Beyond direct mortality, derelict gear can damage sensitive marine habitats such as coral reefs and seafloors, disrupting entire ecosystems23, 24.
From an economic perspective, ghost fishing represents a quantifiable loss of potential catches for active fishers, affecting the Supply Chain and overall productivity of fisheries. This unintended harvest by derelict gear can deplete fish populations that legitimate fishing operations rely upon, undermining Fisheries Management efforts and impacting the livelihoods of coastal communities21, 22. Furthermore, the presence of ghost gear can interfere with active fishing operations and pose hazards to navigation, adding to operational costs and safety concerns20. Understanding the scale of lost gear and its continued fishing capacity helps stakeholders assess the financial burden and prioritize mitigation strategies, emphasizing the need for robust Resource Allocation towards prevention and removal programs.
Hypothetical Example
Consider a small-scale fishing community whose primary income relies on the local crab fishery. A severe storm causes several crab pots to break free from their buoys and sink, becoming lost at sea. These lost pots, designed to trap crabs, continue to function as "ghost fishing" traps.
Initially, each pot might have been designed to catch an average of 10 crabs per week when actively fished. After being lost, even if their efficiency decreases, they could still catch 2-3 crabs per week. If 50 such pots are lost, this translates to an estimated 100-150 crabs per week being caught and dying unnecessarily due to ghost fishing. Over a year, this could amount to thousands of crabs removed from the exploitable population, representing a tangible [Economic Loss] for the community. This decline directly impacts the community's [Investment Decisions] in new gear or boats, as their potential returns are reduced by the ongoing ghost fishing activity.
Practical Applications
Addressing ghost fishing has become a critical area of focus in marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. Practical applications often involve collaborative efforts aimed at prevention, removal, and technological innovation.
One key application is the development and implementation of gear marking schemes to improve traceability and accountability. This enables better identification of lost gear and its origin, facilitating recovery efforts and deterring abandonment19. Another practical approach involves gear retrieval programs, where divers and specialized vessels actively remove derelict fishing gear from the ocean floor. These programs not only mitigate ongoing ghost fishing but also help clean up marine habitats. For instance, NOAA's Marine Debris Program actively works with partners to provide cost-free solutions for fishermen to dispose of old gear and has collected millions of pounds of gear from U.S. waterways18.
Technological advancements offer promising solutions, such as the design and adoption of Biodegradable Gear. While challenges exist regarding fishing efficiency with current biodegradable materials, ongoing research aims to resolve these issues, making such gear a viable long-term solution16, 17. Furthermore, policies and Financial Incentives for fishers to report lost gear or participate in retrieval programs are essential for effective Regulatory Compliance and broader engagement. These initiatives underscore the importance of integrating environmental considerations into the operational practices of the fishing industry to foster more sustainable outcomes.
Limitations and Criticisms
Despite growing awareness and mitigation efforts, ghost fishing remains a complex challenge with several limitations and criticisms regarding current solutions. A significant hurdle is the sheer scale of the problem; an estimated 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear are lost or discarded annually, making comprehensive removal efforts logistically and financially daunting14, 15. Many areas affected by ghost fishing are remote or deep, making retrieval operations difficult and costly.
Furthermore, some proposed solutions face practical drawbacks. For example, while Biodegradable Gear is seen as a long-term solution, its current iterations may suffer from reduced fishing efficiency compared to traditional gear, presenting an economic disincentive for fishers13. A study found that the costs related to decreased catches from biodegradable gear are not sufficiently offset by the prevented ghost fishing, indicating a technical challenge rather than solely an economic one12. Without comparable performance, widespread adoption becomes challenging, even with potential Financial Incentives.
Another criticism lies in the enforcement and monitoring of gear loss. Without stringent [Regulatory Compliance] and effective tracking mechanisms, preventing gear abandonment or accidental loss remains difficult. Some gear may also be intentionally discarded due to lack of proper disposal facilities in ports, or simply to avoid retrieval costs11. This highlights the need for a holistic approach that includes infrastructure development and robust [Policy Development] alongside technological fixes.
Ghost Fishing vs. Marine Debris
While often discussed interchangeably, "ghost fishing" is a specific aspect of the broader problem of Marine Debris. Marine debris encompasses any manufactured or processed solid material that is discarded, disposed of, or abandoned in the marine environment. This includes a vast array of items such as plastic bottles, packaging, microplastics, and discarded consumer goods.
Ghost fishing, on the other hand, specifically refers to the ongoing unintended capture of marine life by fishing gear that has been lost or abandoned in the ocean10. The key distinction is the "fishing" aspect: the derelict gear, whether nets, traps, or lines, continues to perform its original function of catching marine organisms, albeit without human control. While all ghost fishing gear is a form of marine debris, not all marine debris is ghost fishing gear. For example, a discarded plastic bag is marine debris but does not "fish." The unique danger of ghost fishing lies in its active and continuous impact on marine populations, directly contributing to mortality and posing a specific threat to [Fisheries Management] and ecosystem stability.
FAQs
What causes fishing gear to be lost or abandoned?
Fishing gear can be lost due to severe weather, strong currents, entanglement with other underwater objects, conflicts with vessel traffic, or simply operational errors. In some cases, it may be intentionally discarded if proper disposal facilities are unavailable or to avoid retrieval efforts8, 9.
What types of marine life are most affected by ghost fishing?
Ghost fishing impacts a wide range of marine life, including various fish species, crustaceans like crabs and lobsters, marine mammals such as whales and seals, sea turtles, and seabirds6, 7. Many of these animals suffer entanglement, injury, and eventual death.
How does ghost fishing impact humans?
Ghost fishing can lead to significant economic losses for commercial fisheries by depleting fish stocks that would otherwise be caught by active fishers5. It also poses navigation hazards for vessels and can wash ashore as litter, affecting coastal tourism and posing health and safety risks4. Furthermore, it impacts [Community Development] in areas reliant on healthy marine ecosystems.
Are there any global efforts to combat ghost fishing?
Yes, organizations like the World Animal Protection founded the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) in 2015, which brings together governments, businesses, and fishing organizations to develop and implement solutions to the problem globally2, 3. The FAO has also developed international guidelines for the marking of fishing gear to help reduce loss and improve recovery1. These [Conservation Efforts] are crucial for mitigating the widespread harm.