Scientists and fishermen discuss the problem of abandoned fishing gear in the Barents Sea and develop ways to solve it
The marine litter problem has been around for many years. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tons of garbage of various origins fall into the seas and oceans, including abandoned and lost fishing gear and their fragments, plastic household waste. Abandoned ropes, nets, traps, parts of trawls are a source of injury and death of marine mammals and birds. Arctic coast including walrus haul-outs is littered with garbage. In addition, floating pieces of fishing nets can pose a hazard to shipping.
The workshop participants shared their experience in collecting and processing data on abandoned fishing gear and talked about the reasons and possible measures to prevent littering.
In some cases, the loss of fishing gear occurs due to circumstances independent of a person, therefore, such situations are difficult to predict and prevent.
Fishing waste, as well as household waste, is largely due to the human factor. Therefore, another important part of the process is raising the awareness of ship crews about the negative consequences of fishing gear loss. One of the proposals is to include a special course in the training program for seafarers, as well as to develop visual aids for crew members.
As a result of the seminar, a working group will be created, the participants of which will be able to exchange experience, develop preventive measures, effective schemes for the collection and disposal of garbage, as well as share information materials on the problem of pollution of the Arctic seas.