While industrial fishing is banned in many marine protected areas, drifting fishing devices released elsewhere are crossing boundaries and impacting these underwater sanctuaries across the globe.
- More than half of marine protected areas are affected by drifting tuna fishing gear.
- Over 6,300 drifting devices stranded across 174 protected zones in 53 jurisdictions.
- Stranded gear damages coral reefs and entangles marine animals, impacting local communities.
What happened
A recent study published in Science Advances in June 2026 combined data from fishing records, surveys, and interviews to map the global reach and impact of drifting fish aggregating devices, or dFADs. These floating rafts are deployed by industrial tuna fishing vessels to attract fish but frequently become lost or abandoned, drifting far beyond their point of release.
The research revealed that these dFADs affect more than half of the world’s marine protected areas (MPAs), including 161 MPAs and 13 shark sanctuaries across 53 maritime zones. Some devices traveled thousands of kilometers before becoming stranded, with hotspots in regions like the western and central Pacific, Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean.
Why it feels good
Understanding the widespread movement of drifting fishing gear into protected marine zones highlights the need for improved monitoring and management solutions. This awareness empowers policymakers, fishery managers, and local communities to develop strategies that reduce gear loss and mitigate environmental harm.
Furthermore, by identifying the global scale of the issue and the areas most vulnerable, the study opens the door to international cooperation to protect vital habitats and support the livelihoods of coastal communities who often bear the cleanup burden.
What to enjoy or watch next
As awareness about drifting fishing gear grows, watch for emerging innovations in biodegradable dFADs and improved satellite tracking technologies aimed at reducing gear abandonment and losses. Conservation programs may increase efforts to remove stranded gear from vulnerable habitats, aiding ecosystem recovery.
Additionally, follow updates on policies regulating tuna fishing practices, especially those encouraging sustainable deployment of dFADs and expanded marine protected areas with enhanced enforcement. These actions combined could shape a brighter and more balanced future for ocean health worldwide.