Severe weather and operational mistakes remain the main causes of aquaculture equipment being lost at sea, according to a new study commissioned by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries.
The survey, conducted by Opinion, was based on in-depth interviews with 12 representatives from the aquaculture industry. Eight of the 12 respondents said they had lost major aquaculture components during the past five years.
According to the report, losses most commonly occur during demanding operations such as delousing, net changes and maintenance work. Bad weather was frequently cited as a triggering factor, but respondents also pointed to time pressure, inaccuracies and small operational errors as contributing causes.
Despite the losses, the report found that attitudes towards preventing marine litter are generally positive across the industry.
“The challenge often lies in compliance and precision when working conditions are demanding,” the report states.
Respondents identified improved training, stronger housekeeping routines and greater use of technology as the most important measures for reducing future equipment losses.
The interviews were conducted during autumn 2025 as part of a Directorate of Fisheries initiative examining plastic waste and equipment losses in the aquaculture sector.