Ghost fishing and the voluntary adoption of biodegradable gear

The use of biodegradable fishing gear is increasingly seen as a way to mitigate the negative impacts associated with abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), often referred to as “ghost gear”. However, a major concern with such an environmentally friendly technique is its potential to reduce catch efficiency due to its degradable characteristics, which may diminish competitiveness. To contribute to the limited empirical evidence, we conducted a survey experiment to investigate how the effectiveness of biodegradable gear, compared to conventional fishing gear, influences the adoption by Norwegian fishers. Our findings reveal that fishers are willing to adopt biodegradable fishing gear without conditions if its catch efficiency is comparable to conventional gear. We consider alternative adoption conditions and find that, as the relative efficiency of biodegradable gear decreases, the individual adoption decision becomes more conditional on other fishers doing so. These findings suggest that strategic concerns make conditional adoption important to widespread use of biodegradable gear. Specifically, adoption depends on improving the relative catch efficiency of biodegradable gear or implementing policies that lead to widespread adoption. Results indicates that marine environment protection concerns drive adoption, while economic concerns drive opposition. • As relative efficiency falls, adoption is more dependent on the actions of others. • Interplay of conditionality and efficiency indicate adoption is a social dilemma. • Competitive pressures can undermine adoption despite quotas ensuring fixed catches. • Marine protection concerns drive adoption while economic issues lead to resistance.