North Pacific Ghost Gear Removal Project Targets Derelict Fishing Gear

Mar 20, 2026 https://www.nationalfisherman.com

A Hawaii-based project is making waves in the fight against marine debris, with fishermen playing a crucial role in removing over 185,000 pounds of derelict fishing gear from the North Pacific. The initiative, led by Hawaii Pacific University, has seen significant success since its launch in 2022, with commercial fishing vessels being turned into cleanup platforms. The project's impact is being felt, with over 690 gear recovery events documented, and it's an important step towards tackling the issue of ghost gear in our oceans.