Thai Union Group has joined the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) in a drive to reduce the growing problem of abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) worldwide.
Article continues below
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that every year abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear, or ‘ghost gear’ as it is also known, accounts for at least 10% of total plastic waste in oceans.
“Ghost gear represents one of the biggest threats to animals in our oceans, significantly reducing fish stocks and entangling, injuring and killing millions of animals every year,” said Joel Baziuk, secretariat for the GGGI.
“It is key for seafood industry leaders such as Thai Union to come together with NGOs, government and other stakeholders to improve the health of marine ecosystems, protect marine animals and safeguard human health and livelihoods.”
Dr Darian McBain, Thai Union’s global director for sustainable development, said: “Research indicates that 70 percent of floating microplastics debris in the open ocean is fishing-related.”
“Reducing abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear is key to ensuring the seas are sustainable now and for future generations. It has obvious impacts on global food security and the seafood supply chain, as well as an impact on the livelihoods of coastal communities.”
Thai Union’s participation in the GGGI is in line with SeaChange, its sustainability strategy to drive meaningful improvements across the entire global seafood industry.
The issue of marine plastic pollution also impacts all three of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Thai Union has committed to focus on: zero hunger, decent work and economic growth, and life below water. ■
A clipper system will move quickly across the northern Plains into the Midwest Friday and the Northeast by Saturday, bringing a wintry mix of rain and snow showers ahead of a sweeping cold front.