An evaluation of the Fishing For Litter (FFL) scheme in the UK in terms of attitudes, behavior, barriers and opportunities. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wyles, Kayleigh J.; Pahl, Sabine; Carroll, Lauren; Thompson, Richard C.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 144(2019)
• Page Start: 48
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: Passive fishing for litter -- Fishing industry -- Behavior change -- Spillover -- Motivations -- Debris; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Marine litter is a global, persistent, and increasing threat to the oceans, and numerous initiatives aim to address this challenge. Fishing For Litter (FFL) is a voluntary clean-up scheme, where litter is collected as part of routine fishing operations. We surveyed fishers ( n = 97) and stakeholders ( n = 22) in the UK to investigate perceptions of FFL, its strengths and weaknesses, and potential co-benefits of the scheme. Fishers reported being aware of and concerned about the negative impacts of litter. Overall, FFL was evaluated very positively (7.85/10). In addition, FFL fishers reported less environmentally harmful waste management behaviors both out at sea and in other contexts than did non-FFL fishers. Fishers and stakeholders listed strengths and weaknesses of the scheme and made suggestions for future changes. As well as directly helping to remove litter, this paper demonstrates that clean-up schemes can make a contribution to addressing the underlying causes of marine pollution. Highlights: Stakeholders' evaluation of the Fishing For Litter scheme, accessing remote debris Fishers cared about, were aware of and felt responsible for marine litter Fishers and stakeholders have positive views of the FFL scheme FFL found to promote pro-environmental behaviors at sea and elsewhere Demonstrates the importance for initiatives to focus on intrinsic motives