The impact of marine litter from fish aggregation devices on vulnerable marine benthic habitats of the central Mediterranean Sea. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Consoli, Pierpaolo; Sinopoli, Mauro; Deidun, Alan; Canese, Simonepietro; Berti, Claudio; Andaloro, Franco; Romeo, Teresa
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 152(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Marine litter -- ALDFG -- FADs -- Mediterranean Sea -- Black coral -- Vulnerable habitat; 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.2020.110928
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this research was to assess marine litter abundance and its effects on the benthic fauna in an area of the central Mediterranean Sea exploited by fisheries using fish aggregating devices (FAD). The study was carried out by means of a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV). Derelict fishing gear, mainly FAD ropes, represented the main source of marine debris, contributing 96.2% to the overall litter. About 47% of debris items (mostly FAD ropes) entangled colonies of the protected black coral Leiopathes glaberrima . The results of this research will assist in the monitoring of "impact/harm" to the coral and other benthic communities, as recommended by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and by the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme. Preventive and mitigation measures (i.e., biodegradable fishing gear, onboard technology to locate and retrieve gear, reception and/or payment for old/retrieved gear, and introduction of no-take zones) to reduce the problem are discussed. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Seafloor marine litter was quantified in an area heavily exploited by FADs fishery. Debris density recorded, from 250 to 400 m depth, was 4.63 items/100 m 2 . Derelict fishing gear, mainly FAD ropes, represented 96.2% of the overall litter. Marine litter severely impacted habitats and species of conservation concern. The black coral Leiopathes glaberrima resulted severely damaged by entanglement.