How many ghost traps are there in the world each year?

Every year, millions of fishing gear items – including traps, nets, and lines – are lost at sea. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), up to 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear may disappear annually. These lost gears continue to catch fish and shellfish for years – a phenomenon known as ghost fishing.

The Scope of the Problem:
Several countries report significant trap losses each year:

• Norway: 20,000–30,000 traps lost annually

• USA (Maine): Around 250,000 lobster traps lost each year

• United Kingdom: Over 25,000 traps lost per year

• Australia: Tens of thousands of traps lost annually, especially in lobster and crab fisheries

Why Does This Happen?
🔹 Extreme weather and strong currents (40–50% of losses)
🔹 Theft and sabotage – a hidden but significant cause
🔹 Poor marking or attachment methods

What Can Be Done?
Innovative solutions like TrapSaver™ have the potential to significantly reduce trap losses and minimize ghost fishing. By using smart retrieval technology and better securing fishing gear, we can protect both the marine environment and fishing resources.

Conclusion:
By covering 65% of fisheries, TrapSaver™ has the potential to prevent the loss of over 445,000 traps annually. This would dramatically reduce ghost fishing and the environmental damage caused by lost gear.

A shift from traditional buoys to TrapSaver™ can help fishers retain their equipment, reduce financial losses, and protect marine ecosystems at the same time.

Let’s work together for a more sustainable future for the fishing industry!