Collaborative ghost gear retrieval & recycling in nova scotia

This project is possible thanks to the financial support of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)'s Ghost Gear Fund.

WHAT IS ALDFG?

about the project
Abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), commonly referred to as “ghost gear”, makes up a large portion of all marine debris.  It causes significant negative environmental, economic, and social impacts including habitat degradation, indiscriminate fishing and entanglements, decreased catches, at-sea safety hazards, and vessel damage.  ALDFG is generated by unfavourable environmental conditions (like storms and bottom type), gear conflicts among fishers and other industries, poor gear condition, and inappropriate disposal at-sea.  Losses can be accidental, fishers are not always at fault, as the marine environment is shared with other industries. 
This project will work collaboratively with industry, academia, and government to prevent, reduce, and assess impacts of ALDFG on the South Shore of Nova Scotia (LFAs 33, 34, and 35 – Nova Scotia only) from July 2020 to March 2022.  This will be accomplished through implementing waste management systems for responsible disposal of end-of-life gear, retrieving ALDFG from targeted areas, and conducting an impact assessment of ALDFG during retrieval, with ongoing communication campaigns throughout the project. ​
Highlights: 
  • First impact assessment of ALDFG in Southwest Nova Scotia
  • Lost lobster traps continue to capture species until escape panels fall off.
  • Of 15 species released, 5 were species at-risk, 67% of lobsters were market sized.
  • A 2% trap loss may contribute up to $176,000 CAD in commercial losses annually.
  • Baseline data will help industry improve ALDFG management.

partners 

collaborators

special thanks to:

For more information, please contact Zora McGinnis, zora@coastalaction.org

retrieval results

at-sea retrieval

shoreline retrieval
We have launched our rope recycling pilot across Southwestern Nova Scotia. See below for additional information on the pilot program and responsible disposal of end-of-life gear.