Ghost Gear Report - 42

THE CASE OF REGIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
BODIES (RFMOS)
RFMOs126 provide an important legal mechanism for states to adopt measures
to address ghost gear, an important source of marine plastic litter and
microplastics. Many RFMOs have adopted some measures addressing ghost
gear such as prohibition of the use of certain gear and/or gear marking
requirements.
Gilman (2015) identifies deficits with regional fishery bodies, including RFMOs,
towards effective monitoring and management of ghost gear and ghost fishing
One deficit identified is the lack of relevant binding conservation and
management measures to prevent or remediate ghost gear. Only a few global
and regional bodies explicitly include its monitoring and control in their
mandates. There is a need to amend the mandates of the conventions and
agreements of the various intergovernmental organizations to explicitly
establish binding measures to monitor, prevent and remediate ghost gear and
ghost fishing for marine capture fisheries.
Another deficit is the lack of standardized data collection to fill our gaps
in understanding of gear loss and rates of ghost fishing. RFMOs and other
managing bodies should establish standardized data collection and metrics.
Additionally, Gilman emphasizes the need for binding measures requiring
the carrying of equipment to retrieve ghost gear on board fishing vessels, the
establishment of reporting systems, and gear marking to increase the visibility
of passive gear to avoid loss of gear due to interaction with passing vessels or
active gear. Measures that require the use of commercially appropriate gear
technology methods and practices that prevent and remediate ghost gear and
ghost fishing, including gear designs that could contribute to reducing ghost
fishing mortality, are also recommended.
The modification of marine spatial planning measures is also needed.
Spatial and temporal restrictions on fishing, that prohibit the use of gillnets
and trammel net gear in certain areas, must be complemented with the
establishment of binding measures separating passive and mobile gear fishing
activities in order to prevent gear conflicts and gear loss, or to prevent fishing
in areas where there is a high probability of gear loss due to contact with
underwater obstructions, such as reefs, rocks, and shipwrecks.

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Ghost Gear Report

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ghost Gear Report
