Abstract
Protected areas are a critical component of efforts to reverse
biodiversity loss by 2050. In the ocean, free-drifting fish aggregating
devices (dFADs) released in large numbers by fishing companies to help
catch tuna can enter marine protected areas (MPAs) undetected, leading to
wildlife entanglement, pollution, and habitat degradation. Here we
investigate nine processes by which dFADs may compromise MPA effectiveness
and assess the burden they put on the global MPA network. By analysing
drift, strandings, and expert interview data, we show that dFADs have
likely interacted with 53% of the global MPA network by area and stranded
in 174 protected areas, which are home to at least 490 at-risk species.
Our findings suggest that improved regulation and industry accountability
are essential for curtailing further interactions.