Plastic gear loss estimates from remote observation of industrial fishing activity

Derelict fishing gear is a highly visible source of marine plastic pollution, causing mortality and ecosystem degradation with uncertain long-term consequences. The quantity derelict entering the oceans remains unknown because heterogeneity in effort, as well inadequate monitoring. Prior studies have been limited scope to specific fisheries regions, large-scale estimates lack an empirical basis. It critically important for decision makers credible information order design effective remediation efforts. We estimated amount industrial effort associated debris ocean globally each year from lost gear. Using remote observations vessel activity paired technical models, we generated bounding estimate operation loss worldwide 2018. that trawl, purse-seine pelagic longline operated 2.1 Mt over 2018 obtain 49.7 retained discarded catch, representing 74% capture globally. median during use these types was 48.4 kt (95% confidence interval: 28.4–99.5 kt). This excludes abandoned Improved observation, especially small-scale fisheries, needed better understand sources These findings serve benchmark future monitoring management efforts reduce global ocean.