Open Ocean Wiki

Ghost fishing refers to the phenomenon where lost, abandoned, or discarded fishing gear (often called “ghost gear”) continues to catch and kill marine organisms long after it has been left behind. Here are some key aspects and impacts of ghost fishing:

• Nets: Gillnets, trawl nets, and seines can trap fish, crustaceans, and other marine life as they continue to drift or remain anchored on the seabed.
• Lines: Longlines, trotlines, and even recreational fishing lines can snag and entangle marine species.
• Traps and Pots: Especially for crab and lobster, these can continue to capture animals without being retrieved.

• Bycatch and Mortality: Marine animals including fish, seabirds, turtles, seals, dolphins, and even whales can get caught, leading to injury or death. This not only affects the individuals but can have cascading effects on population levels and the marine food web.
• Habitat Destruction: Ghost gear on the ocean floor can smother coral reefs, damage seagrass beds, and alter benthic habitats, reducing biodiversity and affecting ecosystem services.
• Plastic Pollution: Much of the fishing gear is made from plastics that degrade very slowly, contributing to the broader issue of ocean plastic pollution, which can further harm marine life through ingestion or entanglement.
• Ghost Species: Some species, particularly those adapted to live in or near the gear like certain crabs or octopuses, can proliferate in ghost gear, altering local ecological balances.