The Pinniped Entanglement Group: Standardizing global data for effective solutions to pinniped entanglement

Entanglement in fishing gear and marine debris is a global threat to pinnipeds. Successful mitigation requires standardized methods and cooperation. The international Pinniped Entanglement Group (PEG), formed in 2009, is dedicated to this effort, through entanglement prevention, response, and education. Here, we report that at least 76% of pinniped species are affected by entanglement (25 of 33 extant species) with fur seals and sea lions more affected than true seals. Commercial and recreational fishing gear caused more harm than other marine debris. Global maps of entangled pinnipeds indicate that unreported species likely represent data deficiency rather than lack of impact. Entanglement data collection methods affect results, and while standardization is difficult to achieve, transparent and detailed methods will aid robust comparisons to target mitigation. We demonstrate the scale of entanglement threat and provide a contemporary review of the literature, PEG member data and mitigation including outreach and working with industry.