Tell The UN To End Ghost Fishing And Protect Ocean Life
881 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: Free The Ocean
Our oceans are drowning in deadly ghost gear it's time to act now and save marine life for a sustainable future.
Our oceans are under siege by ghost gear—abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing equipment that continues to trap and kill marine life long after it has been left behind. These derelict nets, lines, and traps pose the greatest direct ecological threat to marine animals1.
Ecological Consequences of Abandoned Fishing Gear
Each year, millions of tons of ghost gear enter our waters, inflicting severe harm on marine ecosystems. These silent killers indiscriminately entangle and suffocate countless species, including sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds2. The vaquita porpoise, one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals, is pushed to the brink of extinction by abandoned gillnets3.
Impact on Marine Biodiversity
Ghost gear doesn’t just affect individual animals—it disrupts entire marine ecosystems. By removing key species from the food chain, ghost gear alters the balance of oceanic habitats, leading to long-term ecological consequences4. Additionally, these abandoned devices damage vital habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves, further diminishing the ocean's biodiversity5.
Economic Implications for Fisheries
The economic impact of ghost gear is equally devastating. In the Chesapeake Bay alone, over 145,000 lost crab pots result in the annual loss of approximately 3.3 million crabs, reducing the available harvest and affecting the livelihoods of local fishermen5. This loss not only threatens the economy of coastal communities but also undermines efforts to maintain sustainable fisheries4.
Global Initiatives to Mitigate Ghost Gear
Efforts to combat ghost gear are underway, but they are not enough. Organizations like the Global Ghost Gear Initiative and the Marine Stewardship Council are leading the charge, developing best practices and promoting sustainable fishing methods to reduce the prevalence of ghost gear2. However, significant policy changes and international cooperation are crucial to effectively address this global crisis.
Effective fisheries management is crucial in preventing the loss of fishing gear. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) emphasizes the importance of adopting best management practices, such as proper gear storage and the use of tracking technologies. Innovations like ropeless fishing gear and biodegradable nets are being developed to minimize the long-term impacts of lost equipment9.
Community Engagement and Reporting
Community involvement plays a vital role in addressing ghost gear. Programs encouraging fishermen to report lost gear and participate in cleanup efforts have shown promise. Additionally, citizen science initiatives allow the public to report sightings of ghost gear, aiding in its removal and preventing further environmental damage.
Individual Actions to Reduce Ghost Gear
Individuals can also contribute to mitigating the impact of ghost gear. Supporting sustainable seafood choices, participating in beach cleanups, and advocating for stronger regulations on fishing practices are effective ways to help reduce the prevalence of ghost gear in our oceans.
Ghost gear remains one of the most pressing threats to marine life and ecosystems. The combined efforts of global initiatives, technological advancements, effective fisheries management, and community engagement are essential in combating this issue. By understanding the severe impacts of ghost gear and taking proactive steps, we can work towards healthier oceans and more sustainable fisheries.
Sign the Petition to the United Nations to Protect Our Oceans from Ghost Gear.
- Surfrider Foundation (14 April 2021), "The Harms of Derelict Fishing Gear."
- Eric Gilman, Michael Musyl, Petri Suuronen, Milani Chaloupka, Saeid Gorgin, Jono Wilson & Brandon Kuczenski, Scientific Reports (30 March 2021), "Highest risk abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear."
- World Wildlife Fund (2024), "Stopping Ghost Gear."
- Marine Stewardship Council (2024), "Preventing Lost and Abandoned Fishing Gear."
- Miri Marshall, WUSA9 (28 October 2024), "'Ghost Gear' is polluting the Chesapeake Bay and oceans around the world."
- University of Portsmouth (26 May 2021), “Can biodegradable nets tackle unsustainable fishing?.”
The Petition:
To the United Nations Secretary-General, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations High Seas Treaty Secretariat,
We, the undersigned, call upon the United Nations to take decisive action in addressing the critical issue of ghost gear pollution in our world's oceans. The continued abandonment and loss of fishing gear pose severe threats to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on healthy oceans.
We urge the United Nations to spearhead the development and implementation of international agreements aimed at limiting industrial fishing and preventing overfishing. These measures are essential to ensure the sustainability of fish populations, protect endangered marine species, and maintain the balance of oceanic ecosystems. By setting scientifically informed quotas and enforcing sustainable fishing practices, we can mitigate the destructive impacts of overfishing and preserve marine resources for future generations.
Under the framework of the High Seas Treaty, we request the establishment of stringent policies that regulate and penalize the deliberate discarding of fishing gear in protected waters. Fishermen must be held accountable for the loss or abandonment of their gear, which continues to entangle and kill marine life indiscriminately. Implementing heavy fines, revoking fishing licenses, and other punitive measures will deter such harmful practices and promote responsible stewardship of ocean resources.
We call upon the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to mandate a global prohibition on the discarding of fishing gear in all marine environments. This mandate should include comprehensive guidelines for the proper disposal and recycling of fishing equipment, incentivize the use of biodegradable materials, and support the development of innovative technologies that reduce the likelihood of gear loss. UNEP’s leadership is crucial in coordinating international efforts and ensuring compliance with these environmental protections.
The conservation and stewardship of our oceans are imperative for maintaining the health of the planet. Marine ecosystems provide essential services, including climate regulation, oxygen production, and nutrient cycling. They are also a vital source of food, employment, and cultural heritage for millions of people worldwide. Protecting these ecosystems from the devastating effects of ghost gear is not only an environmental imperative but also a moral obligation to ensure the well-being of current and future generations.
By enacting these agreements and policies, the United Nations will play a pivotal role in safeguarding marine life, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and preserving the ocean’s integrity. These actions will lead to healthier oceans, thriving marine biodiversity, and resilient coastal communities. Together, we can ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for all, where the beauty and bounty of our oceans are protected for generations to come.
We respectfully urge the United Nations to take immediate and meaningful action to address the issue of ghost gear pollution and to lead the world towards a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with our marine environments.
Sincerely,
