Managing abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear in Cameroon's marine small-scale fisheries: Perspective of local ecological knowledge

Abandoned, Lost, or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) represents a significant global challenge due to its contribution to plastic pollution and its detrimental effects on marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods. This study examines the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers and state officials in Cameroon regarding the ALDFG–plastic pollution nexus, its causes and impacts, and how LEK influences their understanding and willingness to engage in sustainable gear management practices. Data were collected through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys of 41 fishers, a focus group discussion, interviews with state actors, and direct observations across four fishing communities in western maritime zone. Analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 29) and triangulated with themes from relevant secondary literature. reveal that the dependence on imported fishing gear significantly affects the availability and selection of durable gear among fishers. Both fishers and state officials’ awareness and concern about ALDFG’s role in plastic pollution are shaped by factors such as gear sourcing, duration of use, frequency of loss, and perceived community-level impacts. Notably, fishers expressed strong concerns about the influence of illegal fishing on the rate of gear loss, which in turn affects their willingness to participate in community-based recycling initiatives and their interest in receiving subsidies for biodegradable gear. To address these challenges, the study recommends a multifaceted approach including improved understanding of fishing gear supply chains, targeted awareness campaigns, regulatory and enforcement reforms, financial incentives for biodegradable gear, and the establishment of dedicated waste management systems for fishing gear.