We have all been shook by staggering footage and images of the ocean teeming with plastic bags, and of beaches littered with plastic bottles. But public awareness of how the marine industries add to the plastic pollution of the ocean is far less well known.
The UN Environment states that “each year more than 100,000 whales, dolphins, seals and turtles get caught in abandoned or lost fishing nets, long lines, fish traps and lobster pots.” (UN Environment, 2018) This lost matter, otherwise known as Ghost Gear, is nowadays made largely of synthetic and plastic material. If left in the sea, not only does this matter kill and maim marine life, but it would take an estimated 600 years to break down. And as we now know, breaking down is merely the creation of micro plastics.
Fishing for Plastic was greatly inspired by the heart-wrenching film Albatross by Chris Jordan which beautifully follows the terrible cycle of albatross feeding ocean plastic to their young; this documentary looks into where ghost gear and marine litter comes from, what happens with it once it’s lost, and where it ends up.
Speaking to experts, ocean advocates, and those recycling the retrieved materials, this documentary addresses where the problem is currently, and who is working to stop it.
By Sophie Devereau