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Abstract
This study evaluates the loss of recreational fishing tackle, for the first time, in a Mediterranean coastal area and discusses the potential biological impacts on fish and wildlife from exposure to lead, plastic and other toxic materials from recreational fishing. The estimation of lost fishing gear on the seabed took place over a three-year period (2010, 2011 and 2012) using divers, in two zones (4700 m2 and 5300 m2, respectively). The most abundant were lead weights (sinkers), which made up 36% of the total. Overall, the presence of a multitude of potentially harmful materials in our study area, particularly in shallow waters, demonstrates the importance of conducting studies to determine the actual impact resulting from the loss of recreational fishing tackle so that effective regulatory measures can be developed for this activity. Management concerns about these potential impacts, as well as possible solutions, are discussed.