Analysis of gear loss by fishing vessels in the CCAMLR Convention Area as contribution to the marine debris program

CCAMLR has monitored marine debris in the Convention Area since the establishment of the marine debris program in 1989. In 2017, WG-FSA recommended that lost fishing gear reported from vessels be included in annual updates on marine debris. Rates of hook loss in longline fisheries revealed a significant variation in the reporting rates between CCAMLR fisheries. When gear was reported lost there was a higher proportion of gear loss in areas where interactions with sea-ice are more likely. To improve collection of data on gear loss it is recommended that the C1 data form be modified to include data on gear loss and for the C2 form to have a clearer definition of ‘hooks lost attached to sections’ and ‘other hooks lost’.