It is estimated that thousands – probably tens of thousands – of pots are lost in Norway every year.

It is estimated that thousands – likely tens of thousands – of pots are lost in Norway every year.

Total estimates are around 27,000–30,000 pots annually. For lobster fishing alone, the loss in 2025 was estimated at around 8,300 pots, representing a decrease compared to previous years.

Consequences of lost pots

Lost gear contributes to ghost fishing – a phenomenon where lost pots continue to catch and kill marine animals for years after they are lost. This inflicts long-term damage on marine ecosystems and threatens biodiversity in our waters.

Why are so many pots lost?

Pots can be lost for several reasons:

• Poor weather and strong currents
• Collision with boat traffic
• Wear and tear on lines and buoys
• Lack of marking and traceability

We must do something about this

To reduce the loss of pots and prevent ghost fishing, it is crucial to have:

• Better marking of gear for easier recovery
• Quality equipment that withstands harsh weather conditions
• Traceability systems such as TrapSaver™ to locate lost pots
• Increased awareness of the problem's extent

With the right equipment and preventive measures, we can significantly reduce losses and protect our marine ecosystems for future generations.

TrapSaver™ – The solution for securing fishing gear

TrapSaver™-buoy is an innovative solution developed to secure fishing gear and reduce loss of pots and other equipment. With TrapSaver™ you can:

• Track and recover lost pots easily
• Reduce loss of expensive equipment
• Contribute to preventing ghost fishing
• Protect marine ecosystems

View the entire TrapSaver™collection here