Harsh and sad fishing truths: garbage from commercial fishing ends up in the sea, whether intentional or by accident. It happens. These are plastic liners from bait, like squid. I wonder if there might be a fishplant willing to work with me on this issue. #nlfishery

Each year, lobster fishers are issued as many as 200 plastic tags to mark their lobster pots. I have recovered many of these from beaches in NL, and they turn up as far away as Orkney, Scotland. What do you say, @DFO_NL, is it time for change?

This issue is not specific to the fishery. I often find refuse from construction and oil, as well as other industries washed up on the beach. Plastic in the ocean is a global problem, however it is possible to find local solutions. It takes imagination and a willingness to change

Sometimes, when I talk about this issue, I am met with skepticism. Even from other fishermen. However, I have witnessed the disposal of garbage into the ocean (and elsewhere) with my own eyes. We all see evidence of it everywhere we go.

Denying this issue benifits no one. I also do not believe blame can be placed solely on any individual person. How we manage our waste is a community problem. We cannot seek a solution until we admit that there is a problem. We must all accept responsibility, for the greater good

Ocean plastics are a human issue. A social issue. An ecological issue. And yes, even a capitalist issue. By 2050, there very well may be more plastic in the ocean than FISH. This isn’t something we can fix over night. We have to start now. We need to accept responsibility.

Not just fishermen, but consumers, fishplants, and even beach combers. We all have to help. Pick up garbage when you see it. Challenge people you see littering (if it is safe to do so) and advocate for change. Talk to your parents, your kids. Demand a better, cleaner world.

We created this world, and how it works. We can all play our part in reshaping it, too. Reduce your own waste, recycle what you can. Most of all, love the earth and all its creatures. Share that love with others. Lead by example. One piece of plastic at a time.