Best practices for abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (aldfg) in Africa

Abstract

Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) is a non-profit organisation based in Gqeberha, South Africa, with a vision where the people of Africa and their seas flourish together. One of SST’s projects focuses on sea-based sources of waste with the aim of reducing all plastic waste (both garbage and fishing gear) that originates from the fishing and maritime sectors. Garbage and fishing gear impacts on maritime transport as it can become entangled in ship rudders, thereby impeding movement, and is costly to remove. Activities of the project include fishing gear waste surveys to determine the presence of gear waste in the environment, engagements with recreational and commercial fishers, and collaboration with port waste management authorities, to develop interventions aimed to reduce fishing and maritime waste. Recommendations to reduce, prevent, and mitigate abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear in the environment are already developed globally. The project is currently developing a guide that takes the global best practice recommendations and applies them to suit African countries. A draft of the best practice recommendations will be presented.