Proceedings of the Untangled symposium: - WSPA

Annex 2Priority problems and solutionsSolution 3: A global ban on gill nets.• Target stakeholders: UN; governments• Motivation (of targets): would save millions of animalsworldwide – decreased by-catch and marine debrisrelatedanimal suffering; level the playing field forall fishermen worldwide; would protect endangeredspecies (conservation incentive); increased health ofglobal ocean ecosystem• Challenges: would have to be done globally so thereis no advantage to those who continue to use gillnets; huge economic impact on fisheries and fishingcommunities; lack of political will; impact on foodsupply and no alternative food sources in some areas;fishing industry revolt; lack of alternatives to gill nets;insufficient organisation of multiple stakeholders;financial resources to fight this fight; historical andcultural barriers• Time frame: 20 years.Packaging/consumer litterProblem 1: Single-use carrier bags (whetherintentionally or accidently improperly disposedof by consumers) enter the waterways and oceanswhere they are ingested by marine mammalsand turtles, causing gut blockage and internalcomplications resulting in decreased health ofthe animal and/or death.Solution: Local to centralised governments impose afee for single-use plastic bags which would discourageexcessive use by retailers and consumers.• Target stakeholders: central government (municipal/state/federal)• Motivation (of targets): revenue generated by thefee could subsidise government funded clean-upof waterways; compensate retailers for programmeparticipation; once in place this policy will make anear-immediate impact; good precedents are already inplace in some places, i.e. Washington DC – where thebag fee has raised $2 million towards cleaning up theriver and a significant reduction in plastic bag waste;success in Maryland has been aided by consumers’ability to identify with the piece of water aimed at beingcleaned up; an analysis could be done to show theeconomic benefits of reduced use; increased marketingof reusable bags would get these companies on side• Challenges: ingrained consumer behaviour/convenience lifestyle; lack of political will; resistancefrom plastics industry; easier to pass this legislation insome areas than in others• Time frame: 1-2 years to introduce and pass legislation;1 year to require retailer compliance.18