Healthy Seas - Ghost Nets

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The Ghost Netsquiz

Welcome to our quiz on a lesser-known but significant aspect of the marine litter problem: lost or abandoned fishing gear and nets, also known as ghost nets.While many of us have heard about the issue of plastic pollution in the ocean, ghost nets pose a particularly dangerous threat to marine life and habitats.These nets, made primarily of plastic, continue to entangle marine animals long after they've been lost or discarded by fishing vessels.Let's dive in and discover the impact of ghost nets on our oceans and the creatures that call it home!

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‘Caretta Caretta Trapped’ by Francis Pérez was awarded first prize in the Nature, singles category of the 2017 Photo Contest.

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Abandoned fishing nets that continue to trap marine life

1/13 - What are ghost nets?

Transparent nets used by ghost pirates

Picture: Mariusz Czajka - Ghost Diving

They increase biodiversity by selecting to catch only certain animals

2/13 - What is the impact of ghost nets on marine life?

They can entangle animals, making it difficult for them to swim and eat

Picture: Ghost Diving

When abandoned fishing gear continues to catch marine life needlessly

3/13 - What does “ghost fishing” means?

When fish accidentally get trapped in underwater caves

Picture: Ghost Diving

They are lost or discarded by fishing vessels

4/13 - What is the primary reason ghost nets end up in the ocean?

They are intentionally placed by marine biologists for research

Picture Unsplash: Paul Schellekens

There are special substances in the nets to attract them

5/13 - What attracts the animals in the ghost nets?

Puppies are curious and want to play, others don’t detect them underwater

Picture: Ocean Conservation Nambia - check the podcast we did with them, link at the end!

Krill and plankton

6/13 - Which marine animals are particularly at risk of entanglement from ghost nets?

Seals and turtles

Picture: Healthy Seas

Yes, corals that ensnare plastic have a greater chance of becoming diseased

7/13 - Can ghost nets affect corals?

No, corals are not affected

Picture Unsplash: Francesco Ungaro

They may suffocate or suffer injuries that can lead to death

8/13 - What happens when marine animals become entangled in ghost nets?

They learn to untangle themselves and escape unharmed

Picture: Ghost Diving

Many years, as they remain in the ocean until they are removed

Ghost nets disintegrate quickly and pose no long-term threat

9/13 - How long can ghost nets continue to pose a threat to marine life?

Picture: Cor Kuyvenhoven

They break down into particles becoming micro or nano plastics

They don’t as they are not plastic, and they don’t float

10/13 - How do ghost nets contribute to the problem of plastic pollution in the ocean?

Picture: Aaikevanoord, Museon, The Netherlands

By organizing clean-up efforts and involving specialized diving teams.

By ignoring them and letting nature take its course

11/13 - How can ghost nets be removed from the ocean?

Picture: Cor Kuyvenhoven

They can damage vessels at sea leading to financial losses

Ghost nets keep away marine animals in the area around them

12/13 - What other impact can ghost nets have?

Picture Unsplash: Sebastian Pena Lambarri

Over 75%

Around 24%

13/13 - What percentage of the plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is estimated to be originated from fishing activities

Picture: Richcarey, Gettyimages

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Our oceans are haunted by ghost nets: Why that's scary and what we can do - WWF

Meet the volunteers removing deadly ghost nets from the ocean - National Geographic

Sea turtles captured in ghost nets - The Healthy Seas Foundation

What are ghost nets made of? - Olive Ridley Project

Over 75% of plastic in the great pacific garbage patch originates from fishing - The Ocean CleanUp

Podcast – Untangling Seals: Inside Ocean Conservation Namibia’s Fight Against Ghost Gear - The Healthy Seas Foundation

Podcast – Racing for KGs: From Flawed Metrics to Impact Measurements

A third of coral reefs 'entangled with plastic'

Quiz – Microplastics - The Healthy Seas Foundation

About the Healthy Seas Foundation

Healthy Seas is a foundation committed to marine conservation and removing marine litter, especially fishing nets, to foster healthier seas and repurpose waste into innovative products. Within our comprehensive approach to ocean conservation, an integral component involves educational outreach.In our commitment to education, we actively engage children of various ages through captivating presentations and hands-on activities focused on marine conservation and the impact of marine litter. Additionally, we provide an immersive virtual reality experience, allowing young minds to explore as divers the underwater world and understand the importance of preserving our seas for future generations. Beyond education, our pillars encompass cleanups and prevention. In collaboration with volunteer divers and fishermen, we've successfully reclaimed over 905 tons of waste globally.Our reach spans from the US to Korea, involving 150 partners and nearly 300 dedicated volunteers. www.healthyseas.org

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