Abandoned, Lost or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) has been recognized as significant component litter and impacts on habitats, fish stocks and other marine species.
Abandoned: Fishing gear that is deliberately left in the aquatic environment with no intention by fishers to retrieve it, for whatever reason.
Lost: Fishing gear that is accidentally lost in the aquatic environment.
Discarded: Fishing gear that is deliberately thrown overboard or released without any intention for further control or recovery.