National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK

3–4 March 2027

Ghost Gear Technology & Innovation 2027 will bring together practitioners, researchers, the fishing industry, technology developers, regulators, and others to explore how technology and innovation can advance the detection, mapping, and retrieval of abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG).

While preventing fishing gear loss remains essential, significant quantities of lost gear are already present in the marine environment, and further losses will inevitably occur. This event will focus on what happens after gear is lost: how we can better detect and locate it, understand where and why it accumulates, and retrieve it safely and efficiently.

Bringing together expertise and experience from across sectors, the event aims to explore existing technologies and approaches, examine their practical capabilities and limitations, and identify barriers to their wider use. It will also consider where further research, adaptation, or innovation is needed, with the aim of identifying priorities and fostering future collaboration.

The event will combine a conference on 3 March, featuring presentations, discussions, and posters, with a structured workshop on 4 March focused on identifying priority challenges, opportunities, and potential next steps.

Further details on the programme, speakers, registration, and participation in the workshop will be announced in the coming weeks.

Stay informed

Register your interest to help us plan for the event and to receive updates as details are confirmed, including programme, speakers, and registration information.

Interested in supporting or exhibiting at the event?

We welcome enquiries from organisations interested in sponsoring or supporting Ghost Gear Technology & Innovation 2027. We would also be pleased to hear from organisations interested in potential exhibition opportunities to showcase relevant technologies, products, or services.

 Please contact foundation@generaloceans.com to discuss opportunities.