News

A survey has been launched for anglers and tackle companies alike to help inform a best practices framework for recreational fishing around the globe.

It is being organised by the Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management, working in collaboration with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) with funding from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

This project aims to support recreational fishers in reducing gear loss and preventing abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (commonly referred to as “ghost gear”) in aquatic environments.

It also seeks to better understand the measures currently being taken by both recreational anglers and fishing gear manufacturers and distributors to address this issue. 

The Best Practice Framework for Recreational Fishing will compile practical guidance and proven strategies to help recreational anglers minimise gear loss, improve retrieval practices, and contribute to healthier aquatic ecosystems.

It will also provide actionable recommendations for manufacturers and distributors to help reduce the prevalence of lost and discarded gear and will add to GGGI’s two previous BPFs for commercial fisheries and aquaculture.

To inform this framework, it is inviting recreational anglers and gear manufacturers or distributors from around the world to participate in a short online survey.

The findings will ensure the framework reflects real-world practices across diverse environments, regions, and fishing styles – from freshwater systems to coastal and offshore fisheries.

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and responses will play a vital role in shaping future global guidance for responsible recreational fishing practices.
The Global Ghost Gear Initiative is the world’s largest cross-sectoral alliance dedicated to addressing abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear globally. It brings together industry, governments, NGOs and the fishing sector to prevent gear loss, improve retrieval efforts, and protect aquatic ecosystems.

The surveys are expected to close on June 16th, 2026.

Recreational anglers should go here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/7TH3KVL

Fishing gear manufacturers and distributors should go here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/X8RHX9Z