Marine activities are a non-negligeable source of plastics pollution in the ocean, with 86% of the mega plastics found in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch estimated to originate from fishing nets . Aquaculture was third and first predictor of microplastic concentration in surface water and sediment, respectively. Fragmentation from larger items such as buoys, nets and other derelict gear may influence the microplastic concentrations within an area where such activity is prevalent . As maritime activities such as fishing, aquaculture and shipping are predicted to increase , there is an urgent need for legislation regarding removal and recycling of derelict gear for both the fishing and aquaculture industries. This is particularly true in rural coastal areas where waste management of derelict gear from these activities may be left unmanned. From our observations during sample collection in some areas it was noted that large quantities of equipment were left exposed, which increases the likelihood of weathering and fragmentation over time.