Actual Status of Fishing-Related Items in Beach Marine Litter

Abstract

Plastic marine debris is a major problem in beach marine litter issue. Most parts of fishing gear and nets are made of plastic, and it is well known that synthetic fiber ropes and fishing nets occasionally entangle and damage living organisms. It is also a big problem that plastic fishing gear deteriorates into small fragments, so called “microplastics” during use, during drifting after abandoned, and after being washed ashore. In addition, it is quite difficult to collect the abandoned fishing nets and ropes which intricately get entangled and entangled with rocks on the beach. There is an urgent need to manage used fishing gear thoroughly and to strengthen measures to prevent loss of fishing gear.