Discarded or ghost fishing gear is a growing threat to biodiversity of seas. All it takes is awareness, training and incentives to halt the damage
Oceans and seas cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface. They generate most of the oxygen we breathe, feed billions of people, regulate climate, and are vital to the economy of thousands of fishing and coastal communities. Yet, oceans are under pressure and face unparalleled threats – a fact we should remember as we mark World Oceans Day today.
An FAO report indicates 30% of the world’s ocean stocks are over-exploited, depleted or recovering from depletion caused by factors such as overfishing, by-catch of species caught in fishing gears, climate change, marine debris etc. Every year an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic waste end up in the oceans. Abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear commonly referred to as ‘ghost gear’ accounts for roughly 10% of all marine debris accumulating in our marine environment.
An FAO report indicates 30% of the world’s ocean stocks are over-exploited, depleted or recovering from depletion caused by factors such as overfishing, by-catch of species caught in fishing gears, climate change, marine debris etc. Every year an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic waste end up in the oceans. Abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear commonly referred to as ‘ghost gear’ accounts for roughly 10% of all marine debris accumulating in our marine environment.