The Hidden Peril of the Seas: Ghost Fishing and Its Global Impact
S. Simaanchana*
Dept. of Fisheries Resources and Management, College of Fisheries, Mangalore, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Karnataka (575 002), India
S.R. Somashekara
Dept. of Fisheries Resources and Management, College of Fisheries, Mangalore, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Karnataka (575 002), India
Suman Verma
Dept. of Fisheries Extension, Economics and Statistics, College of Fisheries, Mangalore, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Karnataka (575 002), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Ecological damage, Ghost fishing, Ghost net clean-up, Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI)
Abstract
Ghost fishing has an impact on the marine living ecosystem with the use of old fishing gears like nets and traps that unwittingly continue to catch all other marine species like fishes, sea turtles, sea birds and mammals. Such remnants can spend years on the ocean floor, causing disruption in structures and availability of energy. Better management practices, making gear stronger so it is less likely to be lost, using nets that degrade with time and retrieving gear using submersible drones are all examples of measures to help solve the problem of ghost fishing. In order to reduce the impact of ghost fishing, there is need for local, regional and international mobilization. Global interaction can aid in developing better one way use fishing gears and also networks, which will conserve the ocean and its resources for years to come.
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Reference
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