Massachusetts has taken a significant step to address the problem the environmental threat of abandoned fishing gearcommonly known as “ghost gear”, with the passage of a new law giving the state the power to remove it from its waters.
“Unchecked derelict fishing gear poses several threats to our marine environment and ecosystems,” the state Senate Minority Leader said. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester.
The law comes after years of advocacy by Tarr and other stakeholders and is part of a broader economic development bill signed by Gov. Maura Healey.
The bipartisan, bicameral amendment, formally announced in a Tarr statement issued Dec. 18, was co-sponsored by senators. Joan Lovely, D-Salem; Mark Montigny, D-New Bedfordand Patrick O’Connor, R-Weymouth.
What is ghost equipment?
The equipment, Tarr said, “ghost fishes,” meaning it continues to catch and kill marine life without being used for harvesting, leading to both pollution and ecological damage. The equipment accumulates on the ocean floor and causes problems for coastal communities who must clean it up when it washes ashore.
The equipment, including nets, ropes and traps, also contributes to the growing problem of marine plastic pollution, which further threatens wildlife and habitats.
Current state law considers abandoned equipment private property, complicating efforts to remove it. Under the new law, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries will be empowered to develop regulations that allow for responsible disposal and ensure that both environmental interests and private property rights are respected.
According to Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Sheamore than 9% of fishing gear is lost or discarded each year.
“Abandoned fishing gear has no place in our environment,” O’Shea said in a Dec. 18 statement.
Support for the new law
Division of Marine Fisheries Director Daniel McKiernan said getting the law on the books was a team effort.
The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association supports the measure, which Executive Director Beth Casoni said will “modernize the law to help local communities with their beach cleanup efforts.
“The commercial lobster industry also helps with many of these cleanup efforts to keep beaches clean for everyone,” she added.
The new law will allow the Division of Marine Fisheries to work through a public process to create regulations.
The issue is central to the Laura Ludwigcompany director Marine Debris and Plastics Program on Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown. She served on a group convened by the division a few years ago to draft a white paper and draft new language to make it easier to clean up ghost gear, both offshore and onshore, she said.
“I’m excited about the new gear bill and I’m glad Bruce Tarr thought of including it in the economic development bill because lost fishing gear absolutely impacts the bottom line of fishermen and costs a lot of money to clean up,” Ludwig said.
The stakeholder group will meet again in early 2025 to help the marine fisheries division with the new regulations, she said.
Ghost gear and North Atlantic right whales
There have been indications that ghost equipment poses a risk to the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales which visit Cape Cod Bay every winter and spring. Ludwig noted that although they are not directly linked, one influences the other.
“The primary issue for whale entanglement in our area is active fishing gear, not ghost gear. When discussing (whale) entanglement, it’s important to focus on active fishing gear. That means every time a whale gets entangled in active fishing gear. “Ironically there is a possibility that it could lead to ghost equipping,” Ludwig said.
Many other marine animals and birds are injured or killed by stray gear, she said.
“Fishing gear is right up there with balloons and balloon lines, Styrofoam and plastic wrap as one of the worst offenders in terms of presence, volume and number of individual items in any cleanup done in the Gulf of Maine,” Ludwig said.
Ludwig leads a group of more than 400 volunteers known as the “Beach Brigade” who clean the shoreline and collect data year-round. Since 2006, it has provided hundreds of tons of old or discarded rope, netting and other debris to artisans and artists who have reused the material and diverted it from waste to use in sculptures, artwork or doormats.
The new regulations, she said, “will allow many more people to legally remove fishing gear during beach cleanups and therefore have a positive impact on all those creatures and habitats affected by its presence.”
Heather McCarron writes on climate change, the environment, energy, science and nature, in addition to news and features in Barnstable and Brewster. Reach out to her at hmccarron@capecodonline.com.
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