World Animal Protection hosts first meeting of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative

World Animal Protection has brought together experts from around the world for the first ever meeting of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI). The GGGI will work together to achieve safer, cleaner oceans by driving solutions that tackle the problem of abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear globally.

An estimated 640,000 tons of mostly plastic fishing gear are lost or abandoned in our oceans each year, entangling and killing animals including seals, turtles and whales.

Read more about the problem of ghost fishing gear



This first GGGI meeting united representatives from business, UN agencies, research institutes, NGOs and national governments to agree upon priority actions for addressing this major threat to marine animals.  

Experts agreed that a collaborative effort is needed to solve this global problem. Contributions have been pledged from GGGI members to:

• Fund local solution projects
• Collect and collate data on the spread and impacts of ghost gear globally
• Share expertise to better understand the causes and impacts of ghost gear

Continued success of beach and ocean cleaning initiatives will take place, including profitable recycling projects, which adds value to recovered fishing lines, nets, traps and pots. These creative solutions are key to creating economic support for fishing industries while tackling ghost gear. 

GGGI members will continue to engage with seafood companies and the fishing industry globally, expanding reach and offering support to move away from harmful fishing practices.

Elizabeth Hogan, U.S. Oceans and Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection, said: 

“This meeting was the first important milestone on a long journey to rid the oceans of dangerous ghost fishing gear. People, the environment, and animals will benefit from the protection this initiative will deliver for our oceans. Ghost gear is a major concern for the United States given our expansive coastal regions and vibrant fishing industry, and the energy and commitment of the GGGI’s delegates gives us great confidence that this is a problem we can solve together.”

Frank Chopin, Chief of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nation’s Fishing and Operations Service said: 

“FAO appreciates and applauds the work of World Animal Protection to launch a Global Ghost Gear Initiative. It is both timely and warranted. We encourage World Animal Protection and others to build a spirit of cooperation with fishermen and others who spend their lives on the sea, and whose profound knowledge and experience can be critical to the success of abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear mitigation. Decision making on best available science will be key to the success of this initiative”

The GGGI will be officially launched in early 2015 and is currently welcoming further contributions from fishing associations, NGOs, businesses and other relevant stakeholders.

Learn more about the Global Ghost Gear Initiative

This meeting was the first important milestone on a long journey to rid the oceans of dangerous ghost fishing gear. People, the environment, and animals will benefit from the protection this initiative will deliver for our oceans.