PhD Dissertation Proposal Defense by Drake Ssempijja  August 25, 2025 @ 1pm
“Understanding Abandoned, Lost, or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear as a Source of Plastic Pollution in Inland Fisheries”
Defense Event Listing on UMass Dartmouth Calendar: HERE

Advisor:
Dr. Pingguo He (UMass Dartmouth)

Committee Members:
Dr. Steve Cadrin (UMass Dartmouth),
Dr. Chris Rillahan (UMass Dartmouth),
Dr. Paul Winger (Memorial University of Newfoundland)

Abstract

Abandoned, lost, and otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) is a growing global concern, with nearly 2% of all fishing gear used in marine fisheries lost to the ocean annually. This leads to environmental issues such as ghost fishing mortality, habitat degradation, recreational disruptions, and hazards to navigation.

While most ALDFG research focuses on marine environments in developed regions, this dissertation explores the issue in inland fisheries. The research aims to enhance understanding of the status, extent, and management of ALDFG by:

  1. Conducting a global review of ALDFG in inland fisheries over the past 50 years.
  2. Estimating gear loss and analyzing management strategies in Lake Victoria, East Africa.
  3. Assessing the robustness of policies and legislation in Lake Victoria using a gap analysis framework.
  4. Comparing ALDFG transboundary management in Lake Victoria and the American Great Lakes.

This research will be a pioneering contribution to understanding ALDFG and plastic pollution in inland waters.

Join the Meeting

https://umassd.zoom.us/j/99192100393
Note: Meeting ID and passcode required. Please email the contact below for details.

For additional information, please contact Callie Rumbut at c.rumbut@umassd.edu

SMAST East 101-103 : 836 S. Rodney French Blvd. New Bedford MA 02744
 Callie Rumbut
 c.rumbut@umassd.edu