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When we imagine the plastic waste in the ocean, the picture that pulls up in our mind is the kind of plastic items we use in our daily life. We think about straws, wattle battles, or even food packages, however, this is an idea far away from reality. We are missing the more destructive form of organisms in the ocean: ALDFG, aka ghost gear.
Of course, fishers do not want to lose the valuable equipment that gives them their living profit. However, unexpected weather events, rocky funds, and other underwater issues may result in regrettably lost gear.
Ghost gear has been affecting the sea environs all around the world, counting from superficial coral reefs to deep water scenes. Fishing gear is created to collect marine animals and structures, and even when it gets lost or discarded in the Ocean, it will continue doing its job.
Favorably, there are organizations already committed to treating and helping with this massive problem. One example is the Ocean Conservancy Organization, which joined with other organizations has developed a program named Global Ghost Gear Initiative® (GGGI) that is dedicated to tackling ghost gear matters. It is all about international collaboration to remove the ghost gear from the ocean and prevent more from being lost in the future.
What ALDFG stands for?
ALDFG is the acronym for Abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear.
G: Ghost Gear
No matter how much fishing gear result lost, it will make great damage to our environment. In some areas of the world, it has decreased fish stocks significantly (up to 30%) and is directly impacting the feed from communities.
A: Abandoned
Fishing gear is often abandoned on purpose when fishers do not have permission/access to port gathering or disposal, or even due to an emergency situation. When that happens, the creatures in the waters close to it are pulled immediately into jeopardy.
L: Lost
Lost gear may be related to methods and fishing practices during unexpected events. Contrary to what many people think, fishing gear is usually abandoned as the last option because it is expensive and key for fishery activities.
D: Discarded
Many times, fishing gear is discarded to cover clues of illegal fishing activities. Besides the negative effects it causes on underwater wildlife, it alters all factors involve in the fishing commercial industry: fishers, seafood companies, and the surrounding communities.
More interesting articles:
- Global Agreement: Opportunity to get rid of plastic pollution
- NAGP: MICROPLASTIC CONCENTRATIONS
- 8 Ways to help save the Oceans
- CLEANING PLASTIC FROM THE SEA
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