Marine debris pollution is one of the most pervasive environmental challenges globally, with projections suggesting that plastic could outnumber fish in the oceans by 2050 if current trends continue. As this issue intensifies, preventing further debris from entering marine ecosystems has become increasingly urgent. Human behaviour is widely recognised as a primary driver of marine debris pollution, underscoring the need to better understand the behaviours that contribute to this problem and the factors that influence them.
Abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) represents one of the most harmful forms of marine debris, causing significant ecological damage, including injury and mortality to marine species, as well as broader human health and economic impacts. Within this context, the recreational fishing sector has been identified as a notable contributor, with items such as fishing lines, hooks, and lead weights frequently recorded in fishing hotspots. However, there remains limited understanding of the specific behaviours and practices within recreational fishing that lead to debris generation.
This study will address this gap through a systematic literature review aimed at identifying environmentally relevant behaviours and the factors influencing these behaviours among recreational fishers. These behaviours will be assessed and prioritised to determine those most strongly associated with marine debris pollution. The findings will be presented at the conference, with the aim of informing targeted, behaviour-based interventions to reduce the release of fishing-related debris into marine environments.