Tackling Ghost Gear: Innovative Tagging Project Launched in Papua New Guinea
- FIA-PNG
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
In a significant advancement toward sustainable fishing practices, the National Fisheries Authority of Papua New Guinea (NFA), in collaboration with CLS Oceania (a subsidiary of Collecte Localisation satellites (CLS) France) and the support of FIA PNG fishing vessels, has initiated a groundbreaking project focused on ghost gear tagging using NAOS units. This initiative aims to tackle the pressing issue of ghost gear—abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) that poses serious threats to marine life and ecosystems.
Understanding Ghost Gear
Ghost gear is a major challenge for marine environments worldwide, contributing to environmental degradation and endangering aquatic species. Often left unattended, these lost nets and traps continue to entangle fish, turtles, and other marine wildlife, leading to injuries and fatalities. By understanding the movement and impact of ghost gear, stakeholders can develop strategies to mitigate its effects and promote healthier ocean ecosystems.
The NFA - CLS Project Overview
The ghost gear tagging project employs NAOS units to track ghost gear within Papua New Guinea's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). NAOS is a simple and compact Kineis/Argos-GNSS satellite buoy designed for tracking and re-locating fishing gear such as lines, nets, pots, traps, and anchored and drifting FADs where the expected nominal lifetime of each unit will be approximately 1 year following deployment with 12 GPS positions per day. Fifty units will be deployed on ghost gear encounters, and CLS will facilitate data to scientists and NFA.
The real-time tracking provided by NAOS allows authorities and fishing fleets to quickly identify when FADs and Ghost Gear are drifting off course. This enables prompt intervention to retrieve the devices before they further entangle marine life or drift into areas where they pose navigational hazards.
It helps prevent economic losses for fishermen because FADs are valuable tools for commercial fishing operations, as they attract target species and improve catch rates. When FADs are lost (becoming Ghost Gear), fishermen not only lose their initial investment but also potential income from reduced catch yields. By ensuring the timely retrieval of Ghost Gear, NAOS helps minimise the negative impact of ALDFG while also supporting the sustainability commitment of the PNG NFA fishers’ community.
This initiative is pivotal for collecting data on the location, movement, and behaviour of ghost gear, providing valuable insights that can inform future management and mitigation efforts.
The National Fisheries Authority of Papua New Guinea is spearheading this project, recognising the urgent need for comprehensive data to devise effective solutions. The partnership with CLS ( a leader in oceanographic data collection and the communication service provider for VMS to FFA, WCFPC, PNA and PNG NFA ,) and the voluntary participation of local fishing vessels through FIA PNG demonstrates a collaborative approach essential for addressing this global challenge. The NFA observer onboard the FIA PNG tuna purse seiners will be responsible for deploying the NAOS beacons when practical and feasible.
Key Objectives
Data Collection: The primary goal of the project is to gather detailed information about the distribution and dynamics of ghost gear in PNG’s waters. Using the latest technology, stakeholders can identify hotspots of ghost gear accumulation and assess its impact on marine biodiversity.
Community Engagement: The involvement of local fishing vessels is crucial. Fishermen are often the first to encounter ghost gear; thus, their participation enhances community awareness and promotes responsible fishing practices. Educating fishermen about the impacts of ghost gear fosters a sense of stewardship for the marine environment.
Mitigation Strategies: By analyzing the collected data, authorities can develop targeted strategies to remove existing ghost gear and prevent future occurrences. This proactive approach aims to minimize the risks associated with ghost gear while promoting sustainable fisheries management.
Research and Collaboration: The project serves as a platform for ongoing research and collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. We expect to share data with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI), and the Secretariat of Pacific Countries (SPC) where this will be facilitated by CLS.
As this innovative project unfolds, it has the potential to set a precedent not only for Papua New Guinea but also for other nations facing similar challenges. The successful implementation of ghost gear tagging will contribute significantly to our understanding of marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities on them.
Through collaborative efforts and cutting-edge technology, the National Fisheries Authority, CLS, and FIA PNG are taking commendable steps toward ensuring the health of our oceans. As the project progresses, it is hoped that it will inspire others in the fishing industry to adopt responsible practices, leading to a brighter future for both fisheries and marine life while creating a robust global retrieval project.
Together, we can make strides toward combating ghost gear and fostering a sustainable relationship with our oceans, safeguarding them for generations to come.
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