Ghost fishing gear refers to abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing equipment that continues to catch and kill marine life in India\“s coastal waters. This includes nets, lines, traps, and other fishing apparatus that are no longer under human control but remain active in the ocean.
In India, local fishing communities along the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and West Bengal are particularly affected by ghost gear. Traditional fishing nets made of non-biodegradable materials can persist in the marine environment for hundreds of years, entangling dolphins, turtles, sharks, and various fish species.
Several Indian organizations have initiated programs to address this issue. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has developed biodegradable fishing gear alternatives, while local NGOs conduct regular beach cleanups and retrieval operations. Fishermen are being educated about proper gear disposal and reporting lost equipment.
The Indian government has implemented the National Marine Litter Policy which specifically addresses ghost fishing gear. This policy promotes the use of environmentally friendly fishing equipment and establishes proper disposal facilities at major fishing harbors across the country. |
