COLLECTING GHOST NETS IN THE BALTIC SEA - WWF

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6. Final conclusions and recommendations The research carried out in 2011–2012 that focused on the lost fishing gear remaining in the sea and the possible methods for its removal, disposal and recycling has clearly demonstrated the complexity and importance of this problem in many aspects. To sum up the actions completed so far, it should be pointed out that: 1. Ghost nets have a negative effect on the living resources of the sea, especially on the ichthyofauna. A review of the available foreign literature, as well as the results of the actions carried out at sea in the framework of the project, has shown an effect on the fishing mortality of commercially caught fish species, particularly cod and flatfish, that is significant but difficult to estimate in terms of environmental and economic impact. 2. It is necessary to continue to extend the scope of programmes aimed at cleaning the Baltic Sea by the recovery of ghost nets remaining in the sea, as these activities have a real, considerable and measurable effect on the protection of the environment and living resources. 3. The involvement of Polish and Lithuanian fishermen (and, in the future, fishermen from other countries of the Baltic region) in the operations of ghost nets retrieval is a key factor in ensuring success of these activities; The participation of 4 Polish vessels in the ghost nets removal operations in 2012 demonstrated the commitment of vessel owners and their crews, as well as strong interest among the entire fishing community. A number of vessel owners expressed their willingness to take part in the operations. Undoubtedly, the implementation of the pilot programme had an effect of increasing fishermen’s environmental awareness and understanding of the problem that is hard to overestimate. 4. Today no solutions exist that would encourage fishermen to transport the ghost nets retrieved while fishing. It is necessary to work together © WWF / P. Necel It is necessary to continue to extend the scope of programmes aimed at cleaning the Baltic Sea by the recovery of ghost nets remaining in the sea, as these activities have a real, considerable and measurable effect on the protection of the environment and living resources. with fishermen and other parties to develop effective solutions in this respect. The regular practice described in the report of discarding the ghost nets collected during fishing operations by throwing them back into the sea should be eliminated as soon as possible by offering compensation to fishermen who deliver ghost nets to the port. This problem should be publicised and pressure should be put on fishery administration (at the domestic and European level) to develop a solution. FINAL REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED IN 2012 33
5. Today no systematic solutions exist that would ensure reception and recycling of ghost nets retrieved from the sea. No effort must be spared to develop effective solutions in this respect. The current practice, described in this report, of disposing of ghost nets at authorised landfills and illegal dump sites is a waste of valuable polymer materials. In view of the threat of severe financial penalties for Poland for the lack of appropriate solutions and non-compliance with EU waste management requirements, the problem should be publicised and pressure should be placed on the government (Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Transport, Construction and Maritime Economy) to develop an effective solution. 6. It is essential to apply the experience acquired in the organisation and implementation of future ghost nets retrieval projects. The operations carried out in 2012 showed the need for exchange of experience and closer cooperation between Polish and Lithuanian fishermen (e.g. using the Lithuanian experience with the side-scan sonar for locating ghost nets and Polish experience in the construction and operation of “searching hooks”). This also applies to teams of divers. 7. It is necessary to involve other Baltic region countries in the actions of ghost nets retrieval. The Baltic Sea belongs to all its bordering countries and must be protected by their joint effort. © WWF / D. Bógdał 34 COLLECTING GHOST NETS IN THE BALTIC SEA
Page 1 and 2: REPORT MARCH 2013 THIS PUBLICATION
Page 3 and 4: COLLECTING GHOST NETS IN THE BALTIC
Page 5 and 6: 1. Introduction The pilot project t
Page 7 and 8: © WWF / W. Wójtowicz Sport and re
Page 9 and 10: © Lithuanian Fund for Nature Event
Page 11 and 12: 2. Description of Polish and Lithua
Page 13 and 14: Therefore it may be assumed that th
Page 15 and 16: © WWF / D. Bógdał of retrieving
Page 17 and 18: Table 3 Technical parameters of the
Page 19 and 20: 3.2. Removal of nets entangled in s
Page 21 and 22: 3.4. Recommendations concerning the
Page 23 and 24: © WWF / P. Necel 4. Disposal of th
Page 25 and 26: © WWF / M. Janeczko © WWF / M. Ja
Page 27 and 28: A regulation indirectly applicable
Page 29 and 30: Energy recovery and chemical recycl
Page 31 and 32: The poorly designed organisational
Page 33: 5.2. Funding opportunities provided
Page 37 and 38: Table 2 Detailed information on the
Page 39: ©1986 Panda symbol WWF - World Wid

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