Ghost Gear in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia): An Urgent Need for a Conservation Code of Conduct

Wiem Boussellaa (), Mohamed Nejmeddine Bradai, Hamed Mallat, Samira Enajjar, Bechir Saidi and Imed Jribi
Additional contact information
Wiem Boussellaa: Marine Turtle Research Group, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055 Portici, Italy
Mohamed Nejmeddine Bradai: Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity in the Gulf of Gabès (ASCOB-Syrtis), Sfax Route de la Soukra km 4, P.O. Box 171, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
Hamed Mallat: Laboratory BIOME, Department of Life Sciences, Sfax Faculty of Sciences, Sfax University, Route de la Soukra km 4, P.O. Box 171, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
Samira Enajjar: Marine Biodiversity Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology of the Sea, Carthage University, P.O. Box 1035, Sfax 3018, Tunisia
Bechir Saidi: Marine Biodiversity Laboratory, National Institute of Science and Technology of the Sea, Carthage University, P.O. Box 1035, Sfax 3018, Tunisia
Imed Jribi: Laboratory BIOME, Department of Life Sciences, Sfax Faculty of Sciences, Sfax University, Route de la Soukra km 4, P.O. Box 171, Sfax 3000, Tunisia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-19

Abstract: The Gulf of Gabès, located off the southern coast of Tunisia, is a region of significant ecological and economic importance, yet it faces a growing threat from abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear, commonly known as ghost gear. This paper addresses the urgent need for a comprehensive conservation code of conduct to mitigate the impacts of ghost gear on marine ecosystems and local communities. Drawing on data and insights from the Life MedTurtles and MedBycatch projects, as well as consultations with local stakeholders, we propose a set of principles and guidelines tailored to the specific socio-economic and political context of Tunisia. Our findings indicate that ghost gear not only endangers marine biodiversity but also affects the livelihoods of local fishers and the sustainability of the region’s fishing industry. The proposed code of conduct emphasizes the roles of government, local communities, and non-governmental organizations in implementing effective management strategies. We also explore the alignment of the proposed measures with existing international laws and policies, ensuring no conflicts arise while reinforcing global conservation efforts. This paper concludes by highlighting the feasibility of the proposed code within the Tunisian context, identifying potential challenges and opportunities for its implementation. Our recommendations aim to foster a collaborative approach to managing ghost gear, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Gulf of Gabès and serving as a model for similar regions worldwide.

Keywords: ghost gear; Tunisia; sustainable fishing; marine conservation; regulatory compliance; best practices (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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