A Conceptual Framework for Assessing and Managing Abandoned, Lost and Discarded Fishing Gear

Abstract

Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) is a complex problem that causes negative ecological, economic and social impacts. In order to understand cause-and-effect chains spanning socio-economic and ecological systems and identify and assess potential improvement measures, a holistic approach is necessary. In this chapter, we introduce a framework for assessing ALDFG and aquaculture gear from commercial fishing and fish farming activities in Norway. The proposed framework integrates the Drivers, Pressures, States, Impacts and Responses (DPSIR) framework with ecosystem accounting, to assess impacts and improvement measures more holistically and explicitly. The framework includes indicators for each aspect, derived from international and national frameworks and data sets. Drivers and pressures are related to existing data sets on fishing and aquaculture production and ALDFGs, whereas the ecosystem accounting framework is used as a lens for developing the state and impact aspects of the model. A leverage points view of circular economy solutions to the problem of ALDFG is taken for the Responses aspect of the model.