Untangling the Impacts and Opportunities of Ghost Gear for Nova Scotias Indigenous Communities

This project focuses on conducting a community-led needs assessment with Indigenous fishing communities in Nova Scotia to address the challenges of abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG). Through listening sessions, workshops and interviews grounded in culturally safe practices, the work will document local knowledge, identify barriers and opportunities, and map the resources communities need to lead gear cleanup. The findings will build trust, strengthen Indigenous leadership in the blue economy, and guide future policy, funding and collaboration.