Up to million tonnes of discarded fishing gear left in seas every year

Up to a million tonnes of fishing gear is left in the ocean each year, creating “deadly” marine debris for wildlife, conservationists have warned.

This “ghost gear” of lost, abandoned or broken nets, lines and ropes makes up at least 10% of marine litter and is the type of plastic debris most likely to be fatal to marine mammals, seabirds and sea turtles, WWF said.

In a report on the issue, the wildlife charity warned ghost gear also damages valuable sea habitats and tourism spots and continues to catch fish long after it has been lost, hitting commercial catches of fish stocks.

WWF is calling for more governments to join leaders from 40 countries who are supporting a new UN treaty on marine plastic pollution and for it to include effective measures on ghost gear.

It is urging countries to

join the Global Ghost Gear Initiative, an alliance of the fishing industry, businesses, campaign groups, academics and governments focused on solving the problem worldwide.

Somewhere between 500,000 and one million tonnes of fishing gear is left in the ocean each year, with fishers unable to locate or retrieve it, or discarding it to conceal illegal fishing activities, the report said.

Marine debris affects two-thirds of marine

mammals, such as porpoises, half of seabirds and all species of sea turtles.

When it is made of plastic it takes decades to break down.

But there are solutions, WWF said, such as marking fishing gear so owners can be identified, improving disposal and recycling and also including biodegradable components.

The report added it is important to remove and retrieve as much gear as possible.

A grey seal with rope and gill-netting around her neck.