Scientists hunt for the true cost of ghost fishing

Research by Industry and Investment New South Wales (I&I NSW) scientists has begun to shed light on the shadowy phenomenon of ‘ghost fishing’ and its effect on the NSW lobster fishery. I&I NSW Fisheries Scientist Dr Geoff Liggins said ghost fishing occurs when fishing gear that has been lost or abandoned continues to kill fish. “Ghost fishing has been shown internationally to be significant in several crustacean fisheries, namely red king crab, Dungeness crab and spiny lobster,” said Dr Liggins.