Unveiling the Shadows: A Comprehensive Review of Ghost Fishing Impact Evaluation and Management Strategies

Abstract

The unintentional capture of marine life by abandoned fishing gear, or "ghost fishing," seriously jeopardizes marine ecosystems and economies across the world. This essay looks about ghost fishing's sources, impacts and management strategies. Ghost gear, which includes nets, lines and traps, can destroy ecosystems, injure natural places and ensnare and kill a variety of marine life. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) admits that the consequences of ghost fishing on marine environments have expanded over time. Empirical studies reveal that ghost gear has an annual impact on thousands of marine species, underscoring the pressing necessity for intervention. Ghost fishing is decreased by the application of management strategies including education, gear technological advancements and retrieval programs. However, because there are no set standards and underwater environments are complicated, assessing the effects of ghost fishing is difficult. To successfully prevent ghost fishing and protect marine biodiversity, innovative methods are required. This review summarizes current research to offer a thorough overview of the problem and make recommendations for more study and action.