Discarded fishing gear piles up on Tamil Nadu coast as recycling infrastructure lags

The issue of discarded fishing gear accumulating on the Tamil Nadu coast, as highlighted by a recent study, presents a stark challenge to India's environmental sustainability and coastal management efforts. This problem, where nearly half of the litter on surveyed beaches comprises abandoned or lost nets, ropes, and floats, is a critical manifestation of broader marine pollution and waste management deficiencies, particularly concerning the lack of adequate recycling infrastructure.

**Background Context and Evolution of the Problem:** Fishing has been a cornerstone of coastal livelihoods in India for centuries. Traditionally, fishing gear was often made from natural, biodegradable materials. However, the mid-20th century saw a global shift towards synthetic materials like nylon, polypropylene, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for fishing nets and ropes. These materials are durable, cost-effective, and efficient, leading to increased catches. While beneficial for the fishing industry, their non-biodegradable nature created a new environmental challenge. When these synthetic gears are abandoned, lost, or discarded (often termed 'ghost gear'), they persist in the marine environment for hundreds of years. The problem is exacerbated by factors like extreme weather, snags on rocks or coral, and accidental loss, coupled with a lack of awareness and proper disposal mechanisms among fishing communities. India, with its extensive coastline of over 7,500 km and a significant fishing industry employing millions, is particularly vulnerable to this form of pollution.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:** This issue involves a diverse set of stakeholders. **Fishermen communities** are at the forefront, both as contributors to the problem (through accidental loss or improper disposal) and as victims (economic losses due to ghost fishing damaging their catches and gear). The **Tamil Nadu State Government**, through its Department of Fisheries and Department of Environment, has a crucial role in formulating and implementing policies for sustainable fishing and waste management. The **Central Government**, particularly the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is responsible for national policies, funding, and international commitments. **Local self-governing bodies** (Panchayats and Municipalities) in coastal areas are vital for on-ground waste collection and management. **Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)** and research institutions play a significant role in studies, awareness campaigns, and advocating for policy changes. Finally, the **recycling industry** and innovators are key to developing viable solutions for processing this complex waste stream.

**Significance for India:** The accumulation of discarded fishing gear holds profound significance for India. **Environmentally**, it contributes to 'ghost fishing,' where lost nets continue to trap and kill marine life, including endangered species like sea turtles, dolphins, and various fish, leading to significant biodiversity loss. It also introduces microplastics into the food chain, posing potential health risks to humans who consume seafood. **Economically**, ghost gear damages active fishing gear, reduces fish stocks, and impacts coastal tourism by making beaches unattractive. The livelihoods of traditional fishing communities are directly threatened. **Socially**, healthy coastal ecosystems are vital for the well-being of communities dependent on them. The presence of marine debris can also pose navigation hazards and impact coastal aesthetics, which are important for recreational activities and local pride. This problem also reflects India's broader challenges in waste management and its commitment to international environmental goals.

**Constitutional and Legal Framework:** India's commitment to environmental protection is enshrined in its Constitution. **Article 48A** of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. **Article 51A(g)**, a Fundamental Duty, obligates every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has interpreted **Article 21** (Right to Life) to include the right to a clean and healthy environment. Specific legislation like the **Environment (Protection) Act, 1986**, provides an umbrella framework for environmental governance. The **Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016** (and subsequent amendments), though primarily focused on consumer plastics, can be extended to fishing gear made of synthetic polymers. The concept of **Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)**, integral to these rules, could potentially be adapted to fishing gear manufacturers. The **Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification** regulates activities in coastal areas to protect their ecological integrity. India is also a signatory to international conventions like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 14: Life Below Water), which calls for significantly reducing marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution, by 2025. The 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar' campaign launched in 2022 is a step towards addressing marine litter.

**Broader Themes and Future Implications:** This issue is a microcosm of the larger global challenge of marine plastic pollution and highlights the need for a **circular economy** approach. Future implications include increased pressure on marine ecosystems, potential for greater economic losses for fishing communities, and public health concerns. However, it also presents an opportunity for innovation in recycling technologies, development of biodegradable fishing gear, and robust policy frameworks. There is a need for better waste collection infrastructure in coastal areas, incentivizing responsible disposal, and fostering community participation. Implementing a robust EPR framework for fishing gear manufacturers, promoting 'gear marking' to identify owners of lost gear, and supporting 'gear retrieval' programs can be crucial. This problem also underscores the importance of a 'Blue Economy' strategy that balances economic development with marine ecosystem health. International collaboration and knowledge sharing on best practices for managing ghost gear will also be vital to address this transnational environmental threat effectively.