https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/ca-ocean-plastic/ Close We personalize nature.org for you This website uses cookies to enhance your experience and analyze performance and traffic on our website. To manage or opt-out of receiving cookies, please visit our Privacy Notice . I Accept Back To Top Skip to content Language: English * English * Espanol The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy * Donate * About Us + About Us + Who We Are o Our People o Our Science o Our Accountability o How We Work o Our History + Where We Work o Africa o Asia Pacific o Canada o Caribbean o Europe o India o Latin America o United States * What We Do + What We Do + Our Priorities o Tackle Climate Change o Protect Land & Water o Provide Food & Water Sustainably o Build Healthy Cities + Our Insights o Perspectives o Reports o Data & Tools * Get Involved + Get Involved + How To Help o Volunteer & Attend Events o Take Action o Calculate Your Carbon Footprint o Explore the Places We Protect * Membership & Giving + Membership & Giving + Donate o Become a Member o Renew o Give Monthly o Gift & Estate Planning o Other Ways to Give * English + Go Back + o English o Espanol * Show search * Renew * Donate * [ ] Search Lost Fishing Gear Infographic Pacific Fisheries Large tuna purse seine fishing boats in Micronesia. (c) Nick Hall Newsroom NEW RESEARCH: Fishing Gear Accounts for an Alarming Amount of Plastic Pollution in Oceans New study by TNC and the UC Santa Barbara is first ever comprehensive estimate of ocean plastic pollution from industrial fishing activity September 16, 2021 | Santa Barbara, CA Media Contacts * Juvenio Guerra Media Contact The Nature Conservancy Email: juvenio.guerra@TNC.ORG Share More than 100 million pounds of plastic from industrial fishing gear pollute the oceans each year--threatening marine life. Scientists with The Nature Conservancy and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), along with the Pelagic Research Group and Hawaii Pacific University, released a new peer-reviewed study that provides the first global estimate of plastic pollution from industrial fisheries. The study reveals that more than 100 million pounds of plastic pollution enters the ocean each year from lost fishing gear--providing the baseline information needed to improve understanding of the problem and drive reforms to mitigate the flow of fisheries' plastic pollution. In the study, Plastic gear loss estimates from remote observation of industrial fishing activity, published in Fish and Fisheries, scientists analyzed big data from Global Fishing Watch and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to estimate the scale of industrial fishing activity and combined this information with technical models of fishing gear and expert knowledge to predict upper and lower bounds of plastic that was lost in the ocean during 2018. The study focused on the three largest industrial fisheries, representing 74% of industrial fisheries harvest. "Until now, we have had little understanding of the magnitude of the problem," said lead author Brandon Kuczenski, environmental science researcher at the University of California, Santa Barbara. "Plenty of work has been done at regional scales but this is the first attempt to develop a global estimate of fisheries-derived plastic pollution based on observed fishing effort. By combining satellite data with expert understanding of industrial fishing operations, this research is the first step in developing a global database that includes all fishing vessels." An estimated 4.6 million fishing vessels ply ocean waters, setting fishing gear across every ocean basin. The research team focused initial analysis on industrial fisheries which operate large vessels and stay at sea for weeks and months at a time. Satellite tracking devices on these vessels allow scientists to determine the type of fishing that is occurring wherever those boats may be. Such tracking is not yet possible for smaller sized vessels that typically fish closer to shore. The study, which accounted for over half of all marine capture, only addressed fishing gear that was lost during use. "We know that intentional discarding and abandonment could match or even exceed unintentional loss. This means that our estimates are on the low end of how much plastic is actually entering the water from fishing activities," said Kuczenski. Unlike other forms of marine debris, fishing gear is specifically designed to catch marine life. Under certain conditions, derelict gear can continue to catch and kill organisms for years. This ghost fishing affects vulnerable species such as sharks, rays, seabirds, marine mammals, and marine turtles, as well as principal market species that are targeted by the fisheries. More than 100 million pounds of plastic pollution enters the ocean each year from lost fishing gear. Lost Fishing Gear More than 100 million pounds of plastic pollution enters the ocean each year from lost fishing gear. (c) TNC x More than 100 million pounds of plastic pollution enters the ocean each year from lost fishing gear. "The impacts from lost fishing gear such as nets, traps, fish aggregating devices (FADs), and lines can continue to pose serious risks to the environment long after they become derelict," said coauthor Eric Gilman, marine research scientist at Hawaii Pacific University. "In addition to ghost fishing, derelict gear can transfer toxins and invasive species, distribute microalgae that may cause harmful algal blooms, alter and damage coastal and marine habitats, disrupt navigation and other fishing activities, reduce the socioeconomic value of coastal and nearshore areas, and break into microplastics which pass through the food chain." Although all types of lost fishing gear can pose threats to ocean ecosystems, plastic components, which now make up a significant fraction of many gear types, create considerable concerns. "Lightweight plastics are now present in almost all types of fishing gear because of their durability and low cost," said Gilman. "Using weight as the means to measure the impact doesn't substantiate the scale of the problem. In fact, if all that lost gear were fishing line, it would stretch to the moon and back more than 5 times." Fishing gear becomes lost for many reasons including bad weather, gear malfunctions, vandalism, snagging on bottom habitat, and other causes. So, developing solutions to this problem requires understanding the context and developing tailored solutions. "We know there are ways to mitigate lost fishing gear," said coauthor Jono Wilson, ocean scientist at The Nature Conservancy in California. "To protect our oceans, we need to take targeted action that starts with working together and understanding this complex problem at a local and global scale. This study is an essential first step in getting to solutions. Moving forward, we'll be using these findings and working with a broad range of partners to find lasting, scalable ways to reduce this significant part of the plastic pollution picture. And we'll be looking to start in those fisheries and regions that today are contributing the most." Chris Voss, President of the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara has been leading fishing gear cleanup efforts off the coast of California, "Losing gear is the last thing a fisherman wants to do. We believe smart and sometimes simple strategies can be developed to reduce gear loss. By working together, constructive steps can be taken to minimize this loss and the resulting impact; fisherman want and need to be a part of this equation." How fast and how far these solutions can be implemented will determine whether people can stem the tide of plastic pollution and environmental degradation of the ocean. 100 million pounds of plastic gear lost annually is equivalent to 285 blue whales. Ocean Pollution 100 million pounds of plastic gear lost annually is equivalent to 285 blue whales. (c) TNC x 100 million pounds of plastic gear lost annually is equivalent to 285 blue whales. The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter. [{"countryCode":"hkg","countryName":"Hong Kong"}, {"countryCode":"ury","countryName":"Uruguay"}, {"countryCode":"gab","countryName":"Gabon"}, {"countryCode":"ken","countryName":"Kenya"}, {"countryCode":"nam","countryName":"Namibia"}, {"countryCode":"syc","countryName":"Seychelles"}, {"countryCode":"zaf","countryName":"South Africa"}, {"countryCode":"tza","countryName":"Tanzania"}, {"countryCode":"zmb","countryName":"Zambia"}, {"countryCode":"aus","countryName":"Australia"}, {"countryCode":"chn","countryName":"China"}, {"countryCode":"hkg","countryName":"HongKong"}, {"countryCode":"ind","countryName":"India"}, {"countryCode":"idn","countryName":"Indoneasia"}, {"countryCode":"mng","countryName":"Mongolia"}, {"countryCode":"mmr","countryName":"Myanmar"}, {"countryCode":"nzl","countryName":"New Zealand"}, {"countryCode":"can","countryName":"Canada"}, {"countryCode":"bhs","countryName":"Bahamas"}, {"countryCode":"cub","countryName":"Cuba"}, {"countryCode":"dom","countryName":"Dominican Republic"}, {"countryCode":"hti","countryName":"Haiti"}, {"countryCode":"jam","countryName":"Jamaica"}, {"countryCode":"pri","countryName":"Puerto Rico"}, {"countryCode":"vir","countryName":"Virgin Islands"}, {"countryCode":"eur","countryName":"Europe"}, {"countryCode":"arg","countryName":"Argentina"}, {"countryCode":"blz","countryName":"Belize"}, {"countryCode":"bol","countryName":"Bolivia"}, {"countryCode":"bra","countryName":"Brazil"}, {"countryCode":"chl","countryName":"Chile"}, {"countryCode":"col","countryName":"Colombia"}, {"countryCode":"cri","countryName":"Costa Rica"}, {"countryCode":"ecu","countryName":"Ecuador"}, {"countryCode":"gtm","countryName":"Guatemala"}, {"countryCode":"hnd","countryName":"Honduras"}, {"countryCode":"mex","countryName":"Mexico"}, {"countryCode":"nic","countryName":"Nicaragua"}, {"countryCode":"pan","countryName":"Panama"}, {"countryCode":"pry","countryName":"Paraguay"}, {"countryCode":"png","countryName":"Papua New Guinea"}, {"countryCode":"slb","countryName":"Solomon Islands"}, {"countryCode":"fsm","countryName":"Micronesia"}, {"countryCode":"per","countryName":"Peru"}, {"countryCode":"ven","countryName":"Venezuela"}, {"countryCode":"usa","countryName":"United States"}] [{"stateCode":"al","stateName":"Alabama"}, {"stateCode":"ak","stateName":"Alaska"}, {"stateCode":"az","stateName":"Arizona"}, {"stateCode":"ar","stateName":"Arkansas"}, {"stateCode":"ca","stateName":"California"}, {"stateCode":"co","stateName":"Colorado"}, {"stateCode":"ct","stateName":"Connecticut"}, {"stateCode":"dc","stateName":"District of Columbia"}, {"stateCode":"de","stateName":"Delaware"}, {"stateCode":"fl","stateName":"Florida"}, {"stateCode":"ga","stateName":"Georgia"}, {"stateCode":"hi","stateName":"Hawaii"}, {"stateCode":"id","stateName":"Idaho"}, {"stateCode":"il","stateName":"Illinois"}, {"stateCode":"in","stateName":"Indiana"}, {"stateCode":"ia","stateName":"Iowa"}, {"stateCode":"ks","stateName":"Kansas"}, {"stateCode":"ky","stateName":"Kentucky"}, {"stateCode":"la","stateName":"Louisiana"}, {"stateCode":"me","stateName":"Maine"}, {"stateCode":"md","stateName":"Maryland"}, {"stateCode":"ma","stateName":"Massachusetts"}, {"stateCode":"mi","stateName":"Michigan"}, {"stateCode":"mn","stateName":"Minnesota"}, {"stateCode":"ms","stateName":"Mississippi"}, {"stateCode":"mo","stateName":"Missouri"}, {"stateCode":"mt","stateName":"Montana"}, {"stateCode":"ne","stateName":"Nebraska"}, {"stateCode":"nv","stateName":"Nevada"}, {"stateCode":"nh","stateName":"New Hampshire"}, {"stateCode":"nj","stateName":"New Jersey"}, {"stateCode":"nm","stateName":"New Mexico"}, {"stateCode":"ny","stateName":"New York"}, {"stateCode":"nc","stateName":"North Carolina"}, {"stateCode":"nd","stateName":"North Dakota"}, {"stateCode":"oh","stateName":"Ohio"}, {"stateCode":"ok","stateName":"Oklahoma"}, {"stateCode":"or","stateName":"Oregon"}, {"stateCode":"pa","stateName":"Pennsylvania"}, {"stateCode":"ri","stateName":"Rhode Island"}, {"stateCode":"sc","stateName":"South Carolina"}, {"stateCode":"sd","stateName":"South Dakota"}, {"stateCode":"tn","stateName":"Tennessee"}, {"stateCode":"tx","stateName":"Texas"}, {"stateCode":"ut","stateName":"Utah"}, {"stateCode":"vt","stateName":"Vermont"}, {"stateCode":"va","stateName":"Virginia"}, {"stateCode":"wa","stateName":"Washington"}, {"stateCode":"wv","stateName":"West Virginia"}, {"stateCode":"wi","stateName":"Wisconsin"}, {"stateCode":"wy","stateName":"Wyoming"}, {"stateCode":"ab","stateName":"Alberta"}, {"stateCode":"bc","stateName":"British Columbia"}, {"stateCode":"mb","stateName":"Manitoba"}, {"stateCode":"nb","stateName":"New Brunswick"}, {"stateCode":"nt","stateName":"Northwest Territories"}, {"stateCode":"qc","stateName":"Quebec"}, {"stateCode":"ns","stateName":"Nova Scotia"}, {"stateCode":"nsw","stateName":"New South Wales"}, {"stateCode":"nt","stateName":"Northern Territory"}, {"stateCode":"qld","stateName":"Queensland"}, {"stateCode":"sa","stateName":"South Australia"}, {"stateCode":"vic","stateName":"Victoria"}, {"stateCode":"wa","stateName":"Western Australia"}] Explore Further Site Footer Explore * Our Mission * Our Accountability * Newsroom * Magazine * Events Connect * Contact Us * Careers * FAQ * Ethics Helpline Give * Donate Now * Membership * Gift & Estate Planning Social * Facebook * Instagram * LinkedIn * Twitter * Youtube Sign-Up for E-News Join the million supporters who stand with us in taking action for our planet [*] Please do not use this field. If you enter anything into this text box your request will not be processed. Thank you. [ ] [ ] Please provide valid email address You've already signed up with this email address. To review your email preferences, please visit nature.org/emailpreferences We may have detected a typo. Please enter a valid email address (formatted as name@company.com). Did you mean to type ? Join the million supporters who stand with us in taking action for our planet Sign Up Sign Up Sign Up Sign Up Sign Up Get text updates from The Nature Conservancy [ ] Please provide valid mobile number See Mobile Terms & Conditions Get text updates from The Nature Conservancy Global Sites Australia Brazil Canada China India Mexico Hong Kong (China): English Zhong Wen Indonesia: English Bahasa The Nature Conservancy logo The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 53-0242652) under Section 501 (c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Global sites represent either regional branches of The Nature Conservancy or local affiliates of The Nature Conservancy that are separate entities. (c) 2022 The Nature Conservancy Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Charitable Solicitation Disclosures | Mobile Terms & Conditions | Title VI Notice of Nondiscrimination |