Activities
Reducing the impact of ghost nets on marine ecosystems and protecting marine fauna
Sustainable Development Goals:
 |
 |
Mission
To reduce the devastating impact of ghost nets on marine ecosystems and protect marine fauna through the removal and proper disposal of these nets, thereby promoting the regeneration of marine habitats and safeguarding biodiversity.
The Danger of Ghost Nets to the Oceans:
Ghost nets are abandoned, lost, or negligently discarded fishing gear in the seas and oceans. These nets pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems and the wildlife inhabiting them. Ghost nets are dangerous because they continue to trap and kill marine fauna even after being abandoned. Once in the ocean, these nets float or settle on the seabed, where they can remain for years, or even decades, continuing to catch and kill fish, marine mammals, turtles, seabirds, and other marine organisms, many of which are protected species.
Furthermore, over time, ghost nets break down into small pieces known as microplastics, which are ingested by animals.
According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, it is estimated that over 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear, including nets, are abandoned or lost in the oceans every year. This substantial quantity of ghost nets poses a serious problem for marine ecosystems and the wildlife that inhabits them.
Removing Ghost Nets for Marine Habitat Restoration:
Removing fishing gear after it has been lost is the only method to eliminate ghost nets. Once removed from the seabed, there is a relatively rapid recovery of marine habitats.
However, recovering these nets is not an easy task and requires the coordinated efforts of a structured team of divers to carry out these operations. For example, a fishing net recently recovered in Sardinia by MEDSEA and its partners was located at a depth of over 30 meters, measuring 200 meters in length and weighing nearly 400 kg.
The work begins with a preliminary phase of collecting information and reports, carried out in cooperation with the Coast Guard and the Carabinieri (Italian military police), professionals working at sea, and associations of scuba divers and freedivers. This makes it possible to develop an initial map of the locations of ghost nets along the coast.
Through GhostNetBusters, identified abandoned or accidentally lost fishing nets are then removed from the seabed and sent through the appropriate process for reuse or disposal.
Target:
Through GhostNetBusters, we are committed to removing at least 1 tonne of ghost nets from the seabed along Mediterranean coasts, helping to reduce their negative impact on marine ecosystems and local wildlife.
Our partners:
Patagonia Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area
Support our Campaign
Our actions are supported by organisations that want to make a tangible contribution to protecting marine, terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, preventing their degradation, strengthening their resilience and supporting their restoration.
Our Dedicated Team for Hunting Ghost Nets:
Francesca Frau
Coordinator
Michela Congiu
Marine Biologist
Nicoletta Cadoni
Marine Biologist
Photos: Andrea Alvito
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.