Norwegian vessel retrieves over 1,100 lost fishing nets in record cleanup effort near Senja

Every year, a significant amount of fishing gear is lost at sea, contributing to pollution and ghost fishing. Since the early 1980s, the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries has undertaken annual efforts to clear lost fishing gear from the coastline.

Currently, the research vessel MS “Vikingbank” is actively operating in the waters off Norway, with a particular focus on the region near Senja. This year’s expedition, which began around August 6-7, has already pulled up over 1,100 lost nets after just 17 days, suggesting a potential record-breaking cleanup year. The previous record, set in 2023, involved retrieving 1,339 nets over 40 days. Expedition leader Gjermund Langedal notes that these figures are disheartening, indicating that ghost fishing remains a pressing issue in Norwegian waters.

The increase in retrieved nets is largely attributed to a decline in cod quotas, prompting smaller fishing vessels to explore alternative income sources, such as blue halibut fishing. This year saw a surge in participants in that fishery, though not all had successful outcomes.

Tom Vegar Kiil, the head of the Coastal Fishermen’s Association, emphasizes the importance of reporting lost gear, as nets are costly and vital for fishermen. While some fishermen may lack experience, losing gear is not uncommon across the industry.

The cleanup initiative also faces challenges due to the diverse needs along the coast, making regulatory measures complex. Norway has been at the forefront of cleaning efforts globally, amassing a continuous cleanup record of 40 years. However, environmental advocates urge for improved practices to curb ghost fishing, including mandatory reporting by recreational fishers and technological innovations to facilitate gear retrieval.

As the implementation of a global plastic agreement is on the horizon, there is hope for including regulations to address ghost fishing gear, reducing the long-term impact of marine littering.