Long-term perceptions of freshwater anglers about abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear during their fishing careers

Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) represents a significant pollutant in wetland ecosystems globally. While impacts of ALDFG are increasingly recognized as exacting a substantial toll on the world’s oceans, reliable data on freshwater ecosystems remain scarce. We explored the scale and causes of fishing gear loss in freshwater locations by engaging recreational anglers through an online questionnaire in Hungary. Respondents provided self-reported estimates of lost fishing gear over their angling careers and shared perceptions of the circumstances leading to these losses. From the total of 416 responses, 332 respondents provided data that we were able to analyse in detail. Results indicated that anglers who fished regularly reported greater fishing gear loss than older anglers and those who fished predominantly faster flowing waters. Using the self-reported numbers, we estimated that at least 126.0–196.2 million fishing gear items have accumulated in Hungary's freshwater over the past 18 years. Annual lost fishing gear items, therefore, must weigh 1,800–2,900 tons, equivalent to ~40,500 tons (40.5 million kg) over this study period. If current trends persist and based upon time-series modeling, fishing gear loss could amount to 301.0–468.7 million items in the next 25 years. Our findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions, such as public awareness campaigns and gear recovery programs, to mitigate this growing environmental pollution problem.