Decoding Factors to Fishing for Litter: A Game-Changer for Engaging Fishers in Marine Conservation Initiatives

Chung-Ling Chen (), Xiang-Nong Jian, Ting-Yu Wang and Shi-Wei Huang
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Chung-Ling Chen: Department of Hydraulic and Ocean Engineering, Institute of Ocean Technology and Marine Affairs, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan 701, Taiwan
Xiang-Nong Jian: Department of Hydraulic and Ocean Engineering, Institute of Ocean Technology and Marine Affairs, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan 701, Taiwan
Ting-Yu Wang: Department of Hydraulic and Ocean Engineering, Institute of Ocean Technology and Marine Affairs, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan 701, Taiwan
Shi-Wei Huang: Department of Urban Design and Sustainable Development, Ming Chuan University, No. 5, De Ming Road, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: The ubiquitous presence of marine litter has brought huge environmental pressure. A wide range of measures have been developed to address this problem. This paper focuses on the removal measure—Fishing for Litter (FEL). It aims to identify the potential factors affecting fishers’ participation in the FFL program. A two-step approach, including interviews and questionnaire surveys, was employed. A total of 10 fishers participated in the interviews, and 8 factors were initially identified using thematic analysis and utilized in the questionnaire design. A total of 412 valid samples were collected. Descriptive statistics and binary logit regression were used for data analysis. The results showed that rewards, the participation of other friends, and inconveniences or troubles incurred from handling trash feature most in fishers’ decision-making on the participation. Furthermore, fishers’ views toward marine environments also had a behavioral impact on their participation in the program. Potential management measures were proposed, including reducing inconveniences incurred from handling trash on board as well as at ports, providing rewards, encouraging environmental education for fishers, and distributing information regarding the program. It is hoped that fishers will eventually make it a normal onboard practice to collect trash found at sea and develop a sense of marine environmental stewardship.

Keywords: marine debris removal; fishers’ participation; Fishing for Litter; marine conservation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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