Assessing fishing gear disposal practices in coastal communities from the Gulf of Guinea and the implications on the sustainability of the blue economy

Abstract

We investigated fishing gear disposal practices in coastal communities from the Gulf of Guinea and examined the implications for coastal and marine ecosystems and the blue economy. Using a mixed research method and purposive sampling, data were collected from artisanal fishers in island communities in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Females between 41 and 50 years with secondary education dominated the group compared to males. Gillnets, with an average lifespan of one year, were the dominant gear type. Disposal methods include reuse (66%), open burning (18%) and indiscriminate dumping (16%). Notably, 92% of fishers were unaware of the environmental risks of improper gear disposal, highlighting a significant gap in environmental education. Reported impacts include gear entanglement, navigation hazards, and ghost fishing. These practices contribute to coastal and marine pollution, threaten biodiversity and undermine sustainable fisheries. Addressing these challenges requires targeted awareness campaigns, ocean literacy programmes, recycling infrastructure, and stronger regulatory oversight.