Loss of fishing gear during operations is a common issue among fishers and poses significant financial challenges when replacements are needed. This loss is a major concern in the ocean worldwide. In addition to the direct pollution it causes, lost fish traps/pots, gillnets, and other fishing gear continue to capture marine life for years, a phenomenon known as “ghost fishing.” This issue is closely related to ALDFG (Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear). The unintended catch of fish and crustaceans in this manner leads to substantial economic losses, contributes to pollution, raises welfare concerns, and threatens sustainability.

The Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Norway has received a grant from the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund to carry out the “Ghost Fishing in the Global South Demonstration Project.” This fund is Norway’s largest private environmental initiative, supporting national and international projects aimed at reducing plastic pollution, increasing plastic recycling, and reducing the consumption of plastic bags. IMR has identified SEAFDEC as a project partner. To support this initiative, SEAFDEC will provide the training vessel “M.V. Plalung,” along with researchers and crew, to assist in the field study. This will involve using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to map and potentially retrieve ALDFG. The field study includes photographic and video recordings.

The anticipated outcome of the project is the establishment of a potential main initiative where local partners, following collaboration and training, will assume responsibility for conducting ALDFG (Abandoned, Lost, or Discarded Fishing Gear) retrieval demonstrations and implementing strategies to reduce fishing gear loss. The expected outputs are detailed in Session 3.

Study visit of SEAFDEC researchers to the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Norway for training in the use of ROVs and collection of ALDFG. Two (2) SEAFDEC staff members visits Norway to receive this specialized training.

IMR researchers visit SEAFDEC Training Department to share methodologies used for ALDFG retrieval in Norway, identify organizations working within this field, and plan the experimental methodology.

Carry out a field study using ROVs to map and potentially retrieve ALDFG. This study will include photographic and video recordings.

Assess the feasibility and challenges in conducting this type of research in the region and identify potential partners for a larger project.

Reporting the field study, detailing the use of ROVs for mapping and retrieving ALDFG, including photographic and video recordings. This report will be shared with the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund and SEAFDEC/TD

Carry out a field study using ROVs to map and potentially retrieve ALDFG. This study will include photographic and video recordings.

• A report of the field study (demonstration) detailing the process, methodologies used, findings, data analysis, and results of the ALDFG mapping and retrieval demonstrations using M.V. Plalung (TBC).
• Photographic and video documentation of the mapping process, retrieval activities, and visual evidence of ALDFG in the demonstration areas.
• Distribution of geospatial maps highlighting ALDFG identified during the demonstration.
• An evaluation report on the performance, effectiveness, and technical challenges encountered in using ROV technology for bottom-based ALDFG mapping.
• A set of recommendations for future studies.
• Baseline environmental data collected during the demonstration for future comparisons

Assess the feasibility and challenges of conducting this type of research in the region and identify potential partners for a larger project

A comprehensive report that includes the following contents:

• A set of recommendations addressing potential challenges and feasibility of implementing ALDFG retrieval and mapping projects in the region.
• A provisional list of relevant organizations, research institutions, and stakeholders for future partnerships and collaborations on larger projects, along with a collaborative framework model to a larger-scale ALDFG project.
• A draft project proposal for a larger initiative.

Reporting the field study (conducted in Activity3), detailing the use of ROVs for mapping and retrieving ALDFG, including photographic and video recordings

• A report on the use of ROV technology for mapping and retrieving ALDFG
• A set of information on photographic and video recordings on the process and results of the ROV operations during the demonstration.
• A set of technical recommendations based on the demonstration’s outcomes to enhance future ALDFG retrieval missions and improve current practices.
• Presentation materials incorporating images and video footage for use in workshops, conferences, and stakeholder briefings in the future.