In this document, we summarize the results of a study on marine litter from fisheries in the Gulf of Mannar and the southern section of Palk Bay conducted between November 2021 and August 2022. These sensitive marine areas in India and Sri Lanka have a high ecological value, with several marine protected areas containing rich
biodiversities, and form critical economic zones to sustain the livelihoods of local communities. We build on new data and knowledge and draw upon existing literature to describe the challenges and potential solutions to marine litter from fisheries, particularly the amount of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG). We highlight the importance of forming new partnerships to reduce the economic and ecological impacts of marine litter from fisheries on marine and coastal ecosystems while balancing development, livelihood and conservation approaches. The overarching objective of the report is to promote evidence-based decision making to strengthen the governance and policy and the design of pilot approaches to reduce the amount of marine litter from fisheries in India and Sri Lanka.

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