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Apete L, Martin OV, Iacovidou E. Fishing plastic waste: Knowns and known unknowns. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116530. [PMID: 38861797 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Plastics entering the marine environment primarily originate from land-based sources, prompting significant attention on single-use plastic packaging. However, fishing plastic waste also contributes substantially to marine plastic pollution, though it is often overlooked in the literature due to the challenges in pinpointing pollution sources. This study addresses this key knowledge gap by synthesizing existing literature to explore and document the knowns and known unknowns surrounding fishing plastic waste's environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts. Through the development of a causal loop diagram, the study offers a preliminary understanding of the issue, serving as a foundation for a deeper exploration of the complexities within the fishing industry's plastic waste dynamics. Finally, the study highlights that short-sighted views and approaches are likely to lead to systemic failures. Therefore, it advocates for strategic and meaningful measures to tackle marine plastic pollution, emphasizing the critical importance of a holistic and integrated understanding of the various plastic waste streams infiltrating and polluting our oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisha Apete
- Division of Environmental Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom; Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, Department of Arts and Science, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Olwenn V Martin
- Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, Department of Arts and Science, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Iacovidou
- Division of Environmental Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
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2
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Shi Y, Li S, Li Y, Jiang L, Khan FU, Waiho K, Wang Y, Hu M. Saving the overlooked mangrove horseshoe crabs-A perspective from enhancing mangrove ecosystem conservation. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 193:106282. [PMID: 38042633 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite being widely distributed in Asia, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda is often overlooked and, its population status remains unclear. Moreover, it is threatened by illegal harvesting and degradation of mangrove ecosystems. Protecting its habitat is essential for population and biodiversity conservation, as mangroves provide nursery grounds and food supply for C. rotundicauda. This review discusses the biological characteristics of C. rotundicauda, including ecology, nutrition, life history, toxicology, and immunology. It also presents information about its distribution and population status. The review emphasizes the challenges faced by C. rotundicauda and proposes a conservation framework that involves the participation of local residents to facilitate conservation efforts. Collaboration between local residents and communities is proposed to protect and monitor the mangrove ecosystem. Additionally, this framework can support field research, protect C. rotundicauda juveniles and other species, and ensure the livelihood of local residents through participation in carbon trading markets and eco-industries such as eco-farming and eco-tourism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntian Shi
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Shuhui Li
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yaowu Li
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Lingfeng Jiang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Fahim Ullah Khan
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Khor Waiho
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, University Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Youji Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Menghong Hu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Marine Biomedical Science and Technology Innovation Platform of Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Gomez NCF, Cragg SM, Ghiglione JF, Onda DFL. Accumulation and exposure classifications of plastics in the different coastal habitats in the western Philippine archipelago. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122602. [PMID: 37741539 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Studies consistently ranked the Philippines as one of the top contributors of plastic wastes leaking into the ocean. However, most of these were based on probabilities and estimates due to lack of comprehensive ground-truth data, resulting also in the limited understanding of the contributing factors and drivers of local pollution. This makes it challenging to develop science-driven and locally-contextualized policies and interventions to mitigate the problem. Here, 56 sites from different coastal habitats in the western Philippine archipelago were surveyed for macroplastics standing stock, representing geographic regions with varying demography and economic activities. Clustering of sites revealed three potential influencing factors to plastic accumulation: population density, wind and oceanic transport, and habitat type. Notably, the amount and types of dominant plastics per geographic region varied significantly. Single-use plastics (food packaging and sachets) were the most abundant in sites adjacent to densely populated and highly urbanized areas (Manila Bay and eastern Palawan), while fishing-related materials dominated in less populated and fishing-dominated communities (western Palawan and Bolinao), suggesting the local industries significantly contributing to the mismanaged plastics in the surveyed sites. Meanwhile, isolated areas such as islands were characterized by the abundance of buoyant materials (drinking bottles and hygiene product containers), emphasizing the role of oceanic transport and strong connectivity in the oceans. Exposure assessment also identified single-use and fishing-related plastics to be of "high exposure (Type 4)" due to their high abundance and high occurrence. These increase their chances of encountering and interacting with organisms and habitats, thus, resulting into more potential harm. This study is the first comprehensive work done in western Philippines, and results will help contextualize local pollution, facilitating more effective management and policymaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norchel Corcia F Gomez
- Microbial Oceanography Laboratory, The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines
| | - Simon M Cragg
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Centre for Enzyme Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-François Ghiglione
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Sorbonne Université, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne (LOMIC), UMR 7621, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, Banyuls sur mer, France
| | - Deo Florence L Onda
- Microbial Oceanography Laboratory, The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines; Pag-asa Island Research Station (PIRS), The Marine Science Institute, Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan Island Group, West Philippine Sea, Philippines.
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4
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Fong J, Lee SHR, Sun Y, Lim CL, Tan YAJ, Tan YH, Neo ML. Litter traps: A comparison of four marine habitats as sinks for anthropogenic marine macro-litter in Singapore. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115645. [PMID: 37862845 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The potential for marine litter being trapped in biodiverse marine habitats such as mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and coral reefs is poorly understood. This study presents the first comprehensive investigation on the status of macro-litter across four marine habitats in Singapore during the two monsoonal seasons. Overall, litter density did not vary considerably between the southwest and the northeast monsoon. The litter density in terms of count was generally lower in seagrass meadows and coral reefs compared to mangroves and beaches. Plastic was the major type of litter found across most habitat types. Notably, many fishing-related items were found on coral reefs, while drinking straws were abundant at the mangrove strandlines during the southwest monsoon. Foam fragments and cigarette butts were common at the beach strandlines. These results suggest that mangroves among other habitats examined here should be prioritised for clean-up efforts in order to restore these critical coastal habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Fong
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore.
| | - Samuel Hsien Rong Lee
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Yuchen Sun
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Cheng Ling Lim
- Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore, 469A Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259770, Singapore
| | - Yean Ai Jolin Tan
- Republic Polytechnic, 9 Woodlands Avenue 9, Singapore 738964, Singapore
| | - Yi Hong Tan
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Mei Lin Neo
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore.
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Rios-Fuster B, Compa M, Alomar C, Deudero S. Stranded and floating marine debris detected along the coastline of Cabrera National Park (Balearic Islands). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115288. [PMID: 37459766 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are managed to conserve ecosystems however increased reporting highlights the observations of marine debris within these areas. The coastline of Cabrera Natural Park (Cabrera MPA) was surveyed in February, March, May, and July of 2021 to evaluate the seasonal trend of marine debris between winter and summer months. A general value of 6.94 items/km, ranging from 4.38 ± 4.55 items/km in July to 12.57 ± 17.56 items/km in March, was detected with no statistical differences between areas or surveyed months. Abundance of stranded debris (77 %) was statistically higher than floating debris (23 %). Prevailed floating plastic pieces 2.5 >< 50 cm and stranded nets and pieces of nets >50 cm. Artificial polymer materials, non-sourced debris, and non-Single Use Plastics were the most common items identified. This study highlights the importance of applying mitigation measures to avoid the presence of marine debris in areas of ecological interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Rios-Fuster
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente S/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Montserrat Compa
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente S/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Carme Alomar
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente S/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Salud Deudero
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente S/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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Mengo E, Randall P, Larsonneur S, Burton A, Hegron L, Grilli G, Russell J, Bakir A. Fishers' views and experiences on abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear and end-of-life gear in England and France. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115372. [PMID: 37634348 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Mengo
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK.
| | - Peter Randall
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Solveig Larsonneur
- SMEL-Synergie MEr et Littoral, Maison du Département, 98, Route de Candol, 50008 SAINT-LO Cedex, France
| | - Amanda Burton
- University of Plymouth, School of Marine Science and Engineering, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Laurence Hegron
- SMEL-Synergie MEr et Littoral, Maison du Département, 98, Route de Candol, 50008 SAINT-LO Cedex, France
| | - Gaetano Grilli
- Centre for Social and Economic Research on the Global Environment, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Josie Russell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Adil Bakir
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK
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Omeyer LCM, Duncan EM, Abreo NAS, Acebes JMV, AngSinco-Jimenez LA, Anuar ST, Aragones LV, Araujo G, Carrasco LR, Chua MAH, Cordova MR, Dewanti LP, Espiritu EQ, Garay JB, Germanov ES, Getliff J, Horcajo-Berna E, Ibrahim YS, Jaafar Z, Janairo JIB, Gyi TK, Kreb D, Lim CL, Lyons Y, Mustika PLK, Neo ML, Ng SZH, Pasaribu B, Pariatamby A, Peter C, Porter L, Purba NP, Santa Cruz ET, Shams S, Thompson KF, Torres DS, Westerlaken R, Wongtawan T, Godley BJ. Interactions between marine megafauna and plastic pollution in Southeast Asia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162502. [PMID: 36868274 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Southeast (SE) Asia is a highly biodiverse region, yet it is also estimated to cumulatively contribute a third of the total global marine plastic pollution. This threat is known to have adverse impacts on marine megafauna, however, understanding of its impacts has recently been highlighted as a priority for research in the region. To address this knowledge gap, a structured literature review was conducted for species of cartilaginous fishes, marine mammals, marine reptiles, and seabirds present in SE Asia, collating cases on a global scale to allow for comparison, coupled with a regional expert elicitation to gather additional published and grey literature cases which would have been omitted during the structured literature review. Of the 380 marine megafauna species present in SE Asia, but also studied elsewhere, we found that 9.1 % and 4.5 % of all publications documenting plastic entanglement (n = 55) and ingestion (n = 291) were conducted in SE Asian countries. At the species level, published cases of entanglement from SE Asian countries were available for 10 % or less of species within each taxonomic group. Additionally, published ingestion cases were available primarily for marine mammals and were lacking entirely for seabirds in the region. The regional expert elicitation led to entanglement and ingestion cases from SE Asian countries being documented in 10 and 15 additional species respectively, highlighting the utility of a broader approach to data synthesis. While the scale of the plastic pollution in SE Asia is of particular concern for marine ecosystems, knowledge of its interactions and impacts on marine megafauna lags behind other areas of the world, even after the inclusion of a regional expert elicitation. Additional funding to help collate baseline data are critically needed to inform policy and solutions towards limiting the interactions of marine megafauna and plastic pollution in SE Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C M Omeyer
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Institute of Marine Sciences-Okeanos, University of the Azores, Rua Professor Doutor Frederico Machado 4, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal.
| | - Neil Angelo S Abreo
- AI and Robotics Laboratory-Environmental Studies, University of the Philippines, Mindanao, Philippines
| | - Jo Marie V Acebes
- BALYENA.ORG, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines; Zoology Division, The National Museum of the Philippines, Padre Burgos Avenue, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lea A AngSinco-Jimenez
- Regional Integrated Coastal Resource Management Center (RIC-XI), hosted by Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | - Sabiqah T Anuar
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Lemnuel V Aragones
- Marine Mammal Research & Conservation Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Gonzalo Araujo
- Marine Research and Conservation Foundation, Lydeard St Lawrence, Somerset, United Kingdom; Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Luis R Carrasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Marcus A H Chua
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Drive, Singapore 117377, Singapore
| | - Muhammad R Cordova
- Research Centre for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jalan Pasir Putih 1, Ancol Timur, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Lantun P Dewanti
- Fishery Department, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, 40600 Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Emilyn Q Espiritu
- Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, 1108 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Jovanie B Garay
- Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), San Isidro Extension Campus, San Isidro, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | - Elitza S Germanov
- Marine Megafauna Foundation, West Palm Beach, FL, United States of America; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jade Getliff
- Roctopus ecoTrust, Roctopus Dive, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao 84360, Thailand
| | | | - Yusof S Ibrahim
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Zeehan Jaafar
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227, Singapore
| | - Jose Isagani B Janairo
- Department of Biology, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922 Manila, Philippines
| | - Thanda Ko Gyi
- Myanmar Ocean Project, 24 Myaing Hay Wun Housing, Yangon 11061, Myanmar
| | - Danielle Kreb
- Yayasan Konservasi RASI/Laboratory of Hydro-Oceanography, Faculty of Fisheries, Mulawarman University, Samarinda, Indonesia
| | - Cheng Ling Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Youna Lyons
- Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore, Bukit Timah Campus, 259770, Singapore
| | - Putu L K Mustika
- College of Business, Law and Governance, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; Cetacean Sirenian Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Whale Stranding Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mei Lin Neo
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227, Singapore
| | - Sirius Z H Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Buntora Pasaribu
- Marine Science Department, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, 40600 Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Agamuthu Pariatamby
- Jeffrey Sachs Centre on Sustainable Development, Sunway University, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia
| | - Cindy Peter
- Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Lindsay Porter
- The Institute of Marine Ecology and Conservation (IMEC), National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Noir P Purba
- Marine Science Department, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, 40600 Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Ernesto T Santa Cruz
- Consultant on Environmental Affairs, Independent Researcher, Davao City, Philippines
| | - Shahriar Shams
- Civil Engineering Programme Area, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, BE 1410, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Kirsten F Thompson
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel S Torres
- Independent Marine Megafauna Researcher, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Rodney Westerlaken
- Westerlaken Foundation, Yayasan Bali Bersih, Indonesia; Hotel Management School, NHL Stenden University, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Faculty of Environmental Science, Udayana University, Indonesia
| | - Tuempong Wongtawan
- Marine Animal Research and Rescue Centre, Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thai Buri, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; Centre for One Health, Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thai Buri, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; Centre of Excellence for Coastal Resource Management with Communal Participation, Walailak University, Thai Buri, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
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Properties and Recyclability of Abandoned Fishing Net-Based Plastic Debris. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12090948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastics in marine environments undergo molecular degradation via biocatalytic and photocatalytic mechanisms. Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) damages marine and coastal environments as well as plant and animal species. This article reviews ghost fishing, ecological damage from marine plastics, recommended recycling practices and alternative usages of derelict fishing gear. Material mixing techniques are proposed to counteract the effect of biocatalytic and photocatalytic biodegradation within the context of plastic fish net recycling. There is a need for a new and rapid “multidimensional molecular characterization” technology to quantify, at a batch level, the extent of photocatalytic or biocatalytic degradation experienced on each recovered fishing net, comprising molecular weight alteration, chemical functional group polydispersity and contaminant presence. Rapid multidimensional molecular characterization enables optimized conventional material mixing of recovered fishing nets. In this way, economically attractive social return schemes can be introduced for used fishing nets, providing an economic incentive for fishers to return conventional fishing nets for recycling.
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