Ghost Fishing Threatens Biodiversity in an African Great Lake.

This article investigates ghost fishing—the continued capture of aquatic organisms by abandoned fishing gear—in the southern region of Lake Tanganyika, Republic of Zambia. Using scuba diving surveys, the study found that ghost fishing occurred exclusively with abandoned monofilament nylon gill nets, which persistently trapped mainly endemic freshwater crabs (Platythelphusa armata and P. maculata) and various fish species, including cichlids and Spiny Eels (Mastacembelus moorii). The risk of ghost fishing increased with larger net lengths and mesh sizes, and evidence of secondary ghost fishing was observed when predatory Spiny Eels became entangled while feeding on trapped fish. The findings highlight the ecological impact of ghost fishing on Lake Tanganyika’s unique endemic communities and underscore the need for localized management and international cooperation to mitigate this issue in inland fisheries of developing countries.