UN, Ghost Fishing Poses Threat to Sea-Life

‘Ghost fishing’ is threatening fish life around the world, according to a new report issued by two United Nations agencies.

According to the report, a growing number of fishermen are leaving behind discarded or lost fishing gear, accounting for much litter in the water.

That litter then traps and kills a large amount of sea life as well as sea-birds, the study concludes.

The authors of the report are calling on the international community to take steps to deal with the matter before permanent, harmful damage occurs.

They say that, in addition to sea-life, the debris poses a risk for ships travelling through the waters.

The study, believed to be the first to address the topic, was carried out by the UN Environment Program, or UNEP, and the UN Food & Agriculture Organization, or FAO.

It reports that 10 percent of the entire marine debris throughout the world eventually makes it to the oceans, with 640,000 tonnes added annually.

The study’s authors suggest offering cash incentives for bringing broken nets back to port, as well as improved mapping of underwater hazards.