The fishing industry has come a long way in recent years, with more eco-friendly and biodegradable materials being used. However, fishing can still cause issues with sustainability and the safeguarding of marine life. This human interference with marine life can have a huge impact on the ecosystems in our waterways, which can affect species globally.
Ghost fishing is an issue that needs to be addressed, which is why we’re explaining what it is, the impact it can have and what we can do to help the situation.
What is ghost fishing?
Ghost fishing is what happens when commercial fishing gear, including ghost nets, cages, traps and fishing lines, are lost or discarded. Research shows that at least 20% of plastic pollution is due to ghost fishing.
What is the impact of ghost fishing on marine life?
Discarded fishing gear can cause serious problems for marine life and is, unfortunately, one of the most common causes of injury and even death for many of these creatures. This is because they can become caught up in the materials, either leaving them stuck, restricted or unable to find food. The equipment left behind can suffocate, amputate limbs or leave marine life exhausted trying to escape. The plastics and other materials used in fishing are often difficult to break down, so if marine creatures try to eat them, this can also be harmful.
The longer the ghost fishing is left, the more harmful it becomes since it acts as bait once other creatures have been caught and killed or injured by it. This can severely deplete the numbers of fish and marine life in the surrounding habitats.This is a global issue, causing harm to fish, reptiles and mammals in waterways around the world.
Locally at Tynemouth Aquarium, we have seen first-hand how ghost fishing gear impacts the wild seal population. Our conservation team are passionate about preserving and safeguarding all marine life. Educating people on the impact that ghost fishing can have is a part of this since it has such a profound effect on our marine wildlife.
How can we prevent ghost fishing?
We can all do our bit to help prevent ghost fishing and avoid unnecessary injury to marine life.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to make the switch to more sustainable materials when fishing. Using biodegradable options like nets and fishing lines wherever possible can significantly reduce the risk to marine life if fishing equipment is left behind or lost. Most modern equipment utilises materials that take decades to break down, which means that the cycle of devastation from even one fishing net can persist over long periods. If you choose materials that can break down faster and these become lost or are accidentally left behind, the impact on the nearby marine life will be significantly reduced compared to if you left behind non-sustainable ghost fishing gear.
It goes without saying that you should never intentionally leave any fishing equipment behind if you can help it. You can save hundreds of fish from needlessly being caught by simply removing your equipment after you’ve been fishing.
If it is safe to do so, you should also try to remove fishing nets when you notice them in the water since this can stop curious animals from getting caught and injured. Otherwise, you should report it to your local council for safe removal. Correct disposal is key if you’re removing the nets yourself. They can either be taken to a charity or organisation specialising in fishing net recycling and repurposing, or you can shred them yourself if you have the equipment.
There are also some charities doing amazing work to tackle the problem at its source. Check out Ghost Fishing UK which is a team of volunteer divers who remove ghost fishing gear.
Noticed marine life that might have been affected by ghost fishing gear? Call your local wildlife experts who can assess the situation and decide how to help. Trying to help the marine life yourself could result in further injury and can cause distress, so it’s best to find somebody who knows what they’re dealing with.
Doing what we can to protect all marine creatures is crucial for maintaining the delicate ecosystems around the world. To find out more about Tynemouth Aquarium’s conservation efforts, you can head here.