Fishing Lines: A Major Plastic Polluter In Oceans

Fishing gear is a major contributor to plastic pollution in the oceans. Lost and abandoned fishing gear, known as 'ghost gear', makes up the majority of large plastic pollution in the oceans. It is estimated that 29% of fishing lines used globally are lost, abandoned or otherwise discarded into the environment. Ghost gear can subsist for hundreds of years, continuously harming animals, habitats, coastal communities and human health.

Fishing gear is the biggest plastic polluter in the ocean

According to a report by Greenpeace, more than 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear are dumped in the sea every year, causing the deaths of marine wildlife such as the 300 sea turtles that were found dead off the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, due to entanglement in 'ghost gear'. Ghost gear is estimated to make up 10% of ocean plastic pollution but forms the majority of large plastic littering the waters. One study found that as much as 70% (by weight) of macroplastics (in excess of 20cm) found floating on the surface of the ocean was fishing-related.

A study of the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch', an area of plastic accumulation in the north Pacific, estimated that it contained 42,000 tonnes of megaplastics, of which 75-86% was fishing gear, originating primarily from the US, China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula. Another expedition to the south Pacific found an estimated 18 tonnes of plastic debris on a 2.5km stretch of beach on the uninhabited Henderson Island, accumulating at a rate of several thousand pieces per day.

Overall, it is estimated that 29% of fishing lines used globally are lost, abandoned, or otherwise discarded into the environment. All this ghost gear and other fisheries-related operations make up at least 10% of total ocean plastics.

Ghost gear can subsist for hundreds of years, continuously harming animals, habitats and communities

Ghost gear, which includes abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear such as lines, nets, ropes and traps, can subsist for hundreds of years, continuously harming animals, habitats and communities. It is estimated that 29% of fishing lines used globally are lost, abandoned or otherwise discarded into the environment. All this ghost gear and other fisheries-related operations make up at least 10% of total ocean plastics. For plastics larger than 20cm in size floating on the ocean's surface, fishing gear accounts for as much as 70% (by weight).

Ghost gear is deadly to marine life and makes up the majority of large plastic pollution in the oceans. More than 640,000 tonnes of ghost gear are dumped and discarded in the sea every year. One study found that 300 sea turtles died as a result of entanglement in ghost gear off the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Ghost gear can result from fishing gear getting entangled on reefs, rocks and bottom obstructions, conflicts with vessels or other fishing gear, and bad weather. It may also be lost due to extended soak times, fishing in deep habitats, or deploying excessive gear that cannot be hauled in regularly.

More than 640,000 tonnes of nets, lines, pots and traps are dumped in the sea every year

Ghost gear, which is fishing gear that has been lost or abandoned, can subsist for hundreds of years, continuously harming animals, habitats, coastal communities and human health. It is the biggest plastic polluter in the ocean, according to Greenpeace. One study found that 86% of the plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch was fishing gear.

Ghost gear makes up 10% of ocean plastic pollution but forms the majority of large plastic littering the waters

Ghost gear, or abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, makes up 10% of ocean plastic pollution. However, it forms the majority of large plastic littering the waters. A study found that as much as 70% (by weight) of macroplastics (in excess of 20cm) found floating on the surface of the ocean was fishing-related. Another study found that 75-86% of the plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch was attributable to offshore fishing and aquaculture activities.

Fishing gear is particularly harmful to marine life. It can get entangled on reefs, rocks, and bottom obstructions, conflict with vessels or other fishing gear, and cause damage during bad weather. It may also be lost due to extended soak times, fishing in deep habitats, or deploying excessive gear that cannot be hauled in regularly.

Overall, it is estimated that 29% of fishing lines used globally are lost, abandoned, or otherwise discarded into the environment. More than 640,000 tonnes of nets, lines, pots, and traps used in commercial fishing are dumped and discarded in the sea every year. This is the same weight as 55,000 double-decker buses.

A study found that 75-86% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is attributable to offshore fishing and aquaculture activities

Overall, it is estimated that 29% of fishing lines used globally are lost, abandoned or otherwise discarded into the environment. All this ghost gear and other fisheries-related operations make up at least 10% of total ocean plastics. Ghost gear can subsist for hundreds of years, continuously harming animals, habitats, coastal communities and human health. More than 640,000 tonnes of nets, lines, pots and traps used in commercial fishing are dumped and discarded in the sea every year.

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