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A Nature NB Success Story: Collecting over 1500 lbs of Ghost Gear on the Acadian Peninsula

By Lauren Stead, Program Manager

When we think of beaches, images of paradise and relaxation often come to mind. However, beneath the surface lies a growing threat that endangers wildlife and habitats – abandoned fishing gear. Discarded nets, lines, and traps, collectively known as ghost gear, pose a severe environmental risk, wreaking havoc on coastal and marine ecosystems worldwide. Our Program Manager Lauren Stead shares Nature NB’s efforts to mitigate this issue.

On September 24, 2022, coastal regions in New Brunswick were struck by Hurricane Fiona, bringing strong winds, rain, and storm surges. Hurricane Fiona came and went, but the damage left behind was long-lasting. Among the impacts was an increase in Abandoned, Lost, or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG or “Ghost Gear”) in the area. Along a one-kilometer stretch in Chiasson-Office on Lamèque Island, more than 250 lobster traps, previously discarded at sea, washed up on its beaches and dunes, ultimately impacting these habitats and the wildlife that call them home.

The Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus melodus) is a Species-at-Risk that breeds on beaches and dunes in the Atlantic provinces. Many shorebirds are experiencing the detrimental impacts of ghost gear, such as fishing lines, hooks, and nets washing up on beaches. These items can trap birds as they search for food. Piping Plovers may be particularly at risk due to their already decreasing numbers from habitat loss and degradation. Additionally, significant amounts of ghost gear on beaches, like that found in Chiasson-Office, could deter plovers from nesting there in the future.

Ghost gear is a silent and pervasive threat to our oceans, affecting both terrestrial and marine life, habitats, and coastal communities. Representing approximately 10% of marine debris, ghost gear sees around 600,000-800,000 metric tonnes entering the oceans annually. While lobster traps used to be made of wood, many are now constructed of metal coated in PVC (Polyvinyl chloride). Natural materials like manila, once popular for fishing rope, have been replaced by synthetic ropes made of polypropylene, nylon, and polyester, favored for their strength. Unfortunately, this shift to synthetic materials contributes significantly to the influx of plastics into our oceans. Recent studies have found that the degradation of ghost fishing gear accounts for up to 70% of all macro-plastics in the ocean by weight, which can eventually break down into microplastics.

To protect the health of these ecosystems, it is imperative that we collectively address this problem. By taking action now, we can ensure that our oceans remain vibrant, thriving ecosystems for generations to come.

With the assistance of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ “Ghost Gear Fund,” the Nature NB team led a “Ghost Gear Blitz” on the Acadian Peninsula.

Our goal was simple: to clean up the beaches and protect the critical habitat of the Piping Plover. Under the bright sun, the Nature NB team, accompanied by enthusiastic volunteers from the Acadian Peninsula Naturalist Club, set-up on our two-day adventure. We combed through the sandy shores, uncovering discarded lobster traps and ropes left behind by the tides. Despite the challenging task at hand, our team worked tirelessly to collect over 100 traps, totaling a whopping 1500 pounds of ghost gear. With the beaches now a little bit cleaner and safer for wildlife, our team bid farewell to the Acadian Peninsula, our hearts full of pride knowing that our efforts had helped preserve the beauty of the coast for future generations to enjoy.

Individuals and communities can play a crucial role in reducing the impact of ghost gear. Beach clean-ups, education programs, and responsible disposal of fishing gear can make a significant difference. By raising awareness about the issue, communities can encourage sustainable fishing practices and promote a sense of responsibility among fishers.

Healthy Coasts NB
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