St. Kitts and Nevis Fishers Adopt Biodegradable Fishing Gear to Mitigate Ghost Fishing Impacts

The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) of St. Kitts and Nevis convened a crucial focus group meeting on March 6, 2025, at the Old Road Fisheries Complex, bringing together local fishers and vessel operators to address the pervasive issue of ghost fishing. This destructive phenomenon occurs when lost or abandoned fishing gear, known as ALDFG (abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear), continues to trap and kill marine life, decimating fish populations and damaging vital habitats. The meeting centered on the potential of biodegradable panels in fish pots to mitigate ghost fishing and promote sustainable fishing practices. This collaborative approach underscores the DMR’s commitment to engaging the fishing community in finding practical, effective solutions to protect the marine environment.

Ghost fishing presents a significant threat to global fish stocks, with estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicating a 5-30% reduction in fish populations due to this issue. The durability of traditional fishing gear, while beneficial for its intended purpose, becomes a liability when lost at sea. These “ghost nets” and pots indiscriminately ensnare marine organisms, leading to a cycle of continuous capture and mortality. This not only depletes fish populations but also disrupts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and habitat health. The DMR recognizes the urgency of addressing this problem and sees the involvement of fishers as essential to finding and implementing solutions.

The DMR’s collaborative approach emphasizes the value of incorporating fishers’ expertise and on-the-water experience in developing sustainable fishing practices. By engaging directly with those most affected by regulations and conservation efforts, the department aims to foster a sense of shared responsibility for ocean stewardship. This collaborative model recognizes that fishers possess invaluable knowledge about local fishing conditions, gear performance, and the practical challenges of implementing new technologies. By actively involving the fishing community in the decision-making process, the DMR fosters a more inclusive and effective approach to marine conservation.

The focus group meeting provided a platform for fishers to share their insights and experiences with biodegradable panels, which had been undergoing testing in local waters. The discussions explored both the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating these panels into fish pots. Fishers acknowledged the durability of traditional fish pots as a necessary aspect of their livelihood but recognized the detrimental impact of these same pots becoming ghost fishing gear. This open dialogue facilitated a balanced assessment of the biodegradable panels, considering their potential benefits alongside any practical challenges associated with their use. The discussion also provided critical parameters for defining the required attributes of effective biodegradable materials for local conditions.

Kharim Saddler, Fisheries Assistant at the DMR, highlighted the significance of the meeting, emphasizing the fishers’ commitment to a three-month trial period using biodegradable panels in their fish pots. This trial will provide valuable data on the panels’ performance in various marine environments and working conditions, allowing the DMR to make informed decisions about the most suitable materials for regulatory purposes. This data-driven approach ensures that any implemented regulations are based on evidence and reflect the practical realities of fishing in the region. The fishers’ active participation in the trial demonstrates their commitment to finding sustainable solutions and their willingness to contribute to the long-term health of the marine ecosystem.

The DMR’s initiative to explore and implement biodegradable panels represents a proactive step toward mitigating the harmful impacts of ghost fishing. This effort, supported by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the COASTFISH project, aligns with broader global efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices. By actively involving the fishing community, the DMR is fostering a collaborative approach to marine conservation, ensuring that solutions are both effective and embraced by those who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. The three-month trial period will provide crucial data to guide future regulations and pave the way for wider adoption of biodegradable panels, contributing to the long-term health and sustainability of St. Kitts and Nevis’ marine resources. This initiative serves as a valuable example of how collaborative partnerships and data-driven approaches can drive positive change in marine conservation.