NorTrap
Sustainable fishing embodies the commitment to leave an ample fish population in the oceans, to uphold the sanctity of fish habitats, and to safeguard the livelihoods of those reliant on fishing.
NoerTrap is poised to play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse impacts of ghost fishing and plastic pollution.
It is estimated that approximately 640,000 tonnes of abandoned fishing gear litters our seas. The pervasive use of plastic as an inexpensive and long-lasting material in fishing has exacerbated this issue for years. Discarded fishing equipment not only results in the indiscriminate death of marine life but also contributes significantly to the global crisis of marine plastic pollution.
Ghost gear is estimated to constitute 10% of the total marine waste, presenting pronounced challenges in certain regions. Vulnerable areas include small islands and secluded beaches. Perhaps most concerning is the existence of the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch," spanning an area of 1.6 million square kilometers, where discarded nets comprise the majority of the debris, forming an immense amalgamation of waste intertwined with numerous marine casualties.
The ramifications of ghost gear are multifaceted, ranging from smothering the ocean floor to introducing synthetic materials into the food chain and polluting coastlines, ultimately resulting in diminished fishery yields.
While rough seabeds and extreme weather conditions often contribute to ghost gear in the ocean, its root causes in Asia and the Pacific can be attributed to behavioral and socio-economic factors. Many countries in these regions grapple with formidable challenges in fisheries management and law enforcement, often leading to the routine abandonment of equipment to save on weight and fuel costs, exacerbating the issue.