As I started typing this article on my laptop, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony. Here I am, ready to dive into the topic of the most significant source of ocean plastics, all while using a laptop made from ocean plastic. It’s a stark reminder of how deeply this issue touches our everyday lives.
Plastic pollution in the oceans is a pressing global issue with widespread environmental and ecological consequences. We produce so much plastic each year that it weighs as much as all the people on Earth put together. Despite trying hard to refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle, 91% of plastic waste still needs to be recycled. Plastics in the ocean don’t break down as commonly believed; instead, they fragment into smaller pieces, ultimately becoming microplastics too tiny for the naked eye. Every piece of plastic ever produced still exists on Earth today, and if current trends continue, by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight.
Surprisingly, everyday items like cotton swabs and shampoo bottles aren’t the main culprits in this crisis. The primary source of marine plastic pollution is discarded or lost fishing gear, such as nets, ropes, fish aggregating devices (FADs), long lines, and plastic crates and baskets used in fishing activities. These remnants of human activity, often termed “ghost nets,” float aimlessly, ensnaring marine life and wreaking havoc on aquatic ecosystems. The problem is particularly acute in Bangladesh, whose economy and sustenance are heavily tied to its rich and diverse marine resources. However, the impact of this silent menace extends far beyond Bangladesh’s shores, affecting oceans and coastal communities worldwide.
Active and discarded fishing nets are indispensable tools in the global fishing industry. They vary in type and composition, from mono- and multi-filament gillnets to seine nets, dip-nets, and drag-nets. These nets are constructed from nylon, polyethene, and polypropylene, designed for durability and effectiveness in capturing fish. However, this durability becomes a double-edged sword when nets are lost or abandoned. A net made from synthetic materials can persist in the marine environment for decades, continuing to trap fish, marine mammals, and even birds, leading to a phenomenon known as ghost fishing.
In Bangladesh, the problem of discarded fishing nets is exacerbated by the extensive use of various nets, including those banned under national regulations. Despite the Protection and Conservation of Fish Act of 1950 and its subsequent amendments, which prohibit using certain types of nets like the monofilament gillnet (current jal), enforcement remains lax. These nets’ illegal production and usage continue unabated, contributing significantly to marine debris. Studies have shown that discarded fishing gear accounts for a substantial portion of marine debris in Bangladesh, with regions like Chandpur experiencing high densities of abandoned nets. The impact of these ghost nets is devastating. Marine life, including endangered species like the Ganges river dolphin and various species of turtles, frequently fall victim to entanglement. This leads to direct mortality and disrupts the food chain and the overall health of marine ecosystems.
Additionally, the economic impact on coastal communities is profound. Fishermen lose valuable fishing gear, and the decline in fish populations affects their livelihoods. The tourism industry, which relies on the allure of pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, also suffers.
Beyond Bangladesh’s borders, the problem of discarded fishing nets and single-use plastics is a global crisis. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and various studies have highlighted the pervasive nature of marine debris. Oceans worldwide are inundated with plastic waste, affecting aquatic life at all levels. Single-use plastics, such as bottles, bags, and packaging materials, are problematic due to their ubiquitous use and poor disposal practices. These plastics do not biodegrade but break down into smaller fragments, persisting in the environment for centuries. Marine animals often mistake these particles for food, leading to ingestion and, frequently, death. The chemicals associated with plastics can also leach into the water, causing further harm to marine organisms and potentially entering the human food chain. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a massive accumulation of plastic debris in the Pacific Ocean, illustrates this global problem.
Efforts to address the issue are underway but face significant challenges. In Bangladesh, various government agencies are responsible for fisheries management, including the Ministry of Fisheries and Livelihood (MoFL) and the Department of Fisheries (DoF). However, the overlapping jurisdictions and inadequate enforcement mechanisms hinder effective action. The recent passage of the Marine Fisheries Bill (2020) aims to update and strengthen regulatory frameworks, but its success depends on rigorous implementation and compliance. Initiatives like the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) and the Ocean Cleanup Project are working to mitigate the impact of ghost nets and marine debris globally. These organisations focus on retrieving abandoned fishing gear, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and raising awareness. International cooperation and comprehensive policy frameworks are essential to tackle this transboundary problem. Education and community engagement are critical components of addressing the issue. Fishermen must be informed about lost gear’s environmental and economic consequences and encouraged to participate in retrieval and recycling programs. Public awareness campaigns can also help reduce the consumption of single-use plastics and promote responsible disposal practices.
In Bangladesh, empowering women in the fisheries sector can play a significant role in mitigating the problem. Women are often involved in various facets of fisheries, from sorting and packaging fish to managing household resources. By enhancing their decision-making power and providing access to credit and market opportunities, women can contribute to more sustainable fishing practices and better waste management. Microcredit programs, social organisations, and NGOs have been instrumental in building the confidence and capacity of women in fisheries, leading to positive outcomes for both the environment and community livelihoods.
However, the journey towards sustainable fisheries and plastic-free oceans is fraught with challenges. Bangladesh’s socio-economic context, characterised by poverty and limited resources, makes enforcing regulations and promoting alternative livelihoods difficult. Gender division of labour and cultural norms also hinder women’s full participation in fisheries management. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
The global nature of the problem necessitates international cooperation and coordination. Marine debris does not respect national boundaries, and its impact is felt worldwide. Collaborative efforts among countries, supported by international organisations and agreements, are essential to developing and implementing practical solutions. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), provide a comprehensive framework for conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Technological innovations also promise to address the problem of discarded fishing nets and single-use plastics. Advances in biodegradable materials, improved fishing gear design, and satellite tracking of fishing vessels can help reduce the incidence of lost gear and promote more sustainable practices.
Additionally, research and development in waste management technologies can enhance the recycling and repurposing of plastic waste, reducing its environmental footprint. One promising area of innovation is the development of biodegradable fishing nets. These nets, designed to break down more quickly in the marine environment, can significantly reduce the persistence of ghost nets. Companies and research institutions are experimenting with materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA) that offer the durability required for fishing while being more environmentally friendly. Satellite tracking and GPS technology on fishing vessels can also play a crucial role in reducing ghost nets. By monitoring the locations and movements of fishing boats, authorities can more effectively manage fishing practices and quickly identify and retrieve lost gear. This technology can also help enforce fishing regulations, ensuring compliance and reducing illegal fishing activities that often result in discarded nets.
In many coastal communities, including Bangladesh, waste management infrastructure is inadequate, leading to the uncontrolled disposal of plastics into the marine environment. Improving collection, sorting, and recycling facilities can help reduce the flow of plastics into the ocean. Programs like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) can incentivise manufacturers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, including disposal and recycling. By holding producers accountable, these programs encourage the design of more sustainable and easily recyclable products. Implementing EPR and similar initiatives in Bangladesh can significantly reduce plastic waste and its environmental impact. Policymakers must prioritise the following actions to effectively tackle this issue: strengthening regulations and enforcement, promoting sustainable fishing practices, enhancing waste management infrastructure, supporting research and innovation, fostering international cooperation, engaging and educating communities, empowering women in fisheries, and implementing economic incentives. By working together, we can protect our marine ecosystems, support sustainable livelihoods, and ensure a healthier planet for future generations. The journey towards sustainable fisheries and plastic-free oceans is complex and fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Through collective efforts and a commitment to environmental stewardship, we can turn the tide against marine debris and safeguard the health of our oceans for years to come.
Ghost nets have been a known issue for many years. However, research revealed that none of the world’s 15 largest fishing companies are addressing this issue, let alone taking action to prevent their fishing nets from being left behind in the sea. While one company mentioned the problem, no one reported it. Governments also need to be more effective in this area. Until now, it has been impossible to determine which ship a ghost net originated from. As a result, governments cannot recover the clean-up costs and are powerless to address the issue, which also occurs primarily in international waters. With an effective international control system, fishing vessels can continue to dump their old nets into the sea with impunity. From our positions, we can probably cut off fish from our menu to address the issue for now.
