Identification of the Origins of Derelict Fishing Gear in Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan

Abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) is one of the major sources of marine plastic pollution. However, movement of the fishing gear after it becomes ALDFG is largely unknown. In this study, derelict fishing gear was collected in Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan, and the origins of the fishing gear were identified in order to understand its movement. A total of 1,288 pieces of fishing gear was collected during 6 beach cleaning events. The sources of the fishing gear items were identified from the information inscribed on the fishing gear. 98.5 % of it came from outside Japan, with the highest percentage (59.4%) coming from China. This result proved highly the transboundary nature of marine pollution by fishing gear and that an international collaboration framework is necessary for reducing the pollution.