BETWEEN NETS AND WASTE: A CASE STUDY OF GHOST FISHING ON A ROCKY SHORE IN ARRAIAL DO CABO, RJ
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/ERR01v10n3-007Keywords:
Ghost Fishing, Marine Debris, Rocky Shores, Arraial do Cabo, Coastal SustainabilityAbstract
Ghost fishing, caused by the loss or disposal of fishing gear in the marine environment, poses a growing threat to biodiversity, fisheries sustainability, and coastal activities. This study aimed to quantify, classify, and discuss the impacts of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) on the rocky shore of Prainha, in Arraial do Cabo (RJ), a multi-use area marked by the overlap of artisanal, recreational fishing and tourism. The methodology involved a 1-hour and 20-minute scuba dive in which 176 submerged items were collected and analyzed. Items were classified by type, quantity, and weight. The results revealed a predominance of fishing sinkers (58 units; 2,743 g), car spark plugs used as improvised weights (28; 1,205 g), nylon lines, fishing nets, and various metallic accessories. These materials pose a high ecological risk due to accidental captures, entanglement of marine fauna, and degradation of benthic habitats. The frequent use of non-conventional gear highlights informal fishing practices and limited access to appropriate materials. The diversity and frequency of debris indicate systemic failures in fishing waste management. It is concluded that ghost fishing at Prainha is a real and multifaceted issue, requiring integrated actions involving monitoring, environmental education, proper waste disposal, and community engagement. This case study reinforces the need for localized diagnostics to inform public policies aimed at marine conservation and the mitigation of ALDFG impacts in vulnerable coastal ecosystems.
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