【Abstract】

Marine pollution caused by plastic waste has become a topic of social concern in recent years. However, while “single-use plastics,” such as plastic shopping bags and beverage containers, attract a great deal of attention, another kind of plastic waste―namely, fishing gear in the form of fishing nets, ropes, and the like―is not yet as widely recognized by the public. This paper examines current situations surrounding lost, abandoned or discarded fishing gear as well as their impacts, and takes a look at the steps forward.