New research: Management pathways to reduce plastic emissions
Norwegian demersal fisheries emit around 200 tonnes of microplastics annually. Most of these plastic emissions are caused by abrasion of fishing gear. At the same time, abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) also contributes to microplastic pollution in the ocean, as well as to “ghost fishing.”
Microplastic emissions could become a factor in future fisheries management, but measures to reduce them may also pose challenges to other sustainability objectives. This is the conclusion of a new research article by Sintef Ocean, produced through SFI Dsolve.
Research and development should therefore prioritise measures that can reduce wear, extend the service life of fishing gear, and develop alternative materials that can replace the nylon and other materials currently in use.
The article has been published in Marine Policy.