Ghost Net Pres

Marine Pollution

Ghost Nets

Kyra GreenPHIL132

What are ghost nets?

Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been lost or abandoned in the ocean, on beaches, or in harbors. They can be miles long and weigh several tons, and can drift for hundreds of miles through the ocean unchecked.

Habitat Damage

They can damage coral reefs and other marine habitats. The nets can scrape or smother these ecosystems, which are vital for marine biodiversity.

How do Ghost nets harm the environment?

Pollution

Over time, they break down into microplastics, contributing to the larger problem of ocean plastic pollution.

Entanglement

Marine animals such as fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and mammals become tangled. This can lead to injuries or death by suffocation, starvation, or drowning.

Relevant Data

136,000

46%

2.5M

Entanglement

Pollution

Habitat Damage

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Entanglement in ghost nets kills at least 136,000 seals, sea lions and large whales every year.

Ghost nets make up at least 46 percent of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

4,500 recovered ghost nets killed over 2.5 million marine invertebrates (coral, anemones, mollusks)

WHat is the solution?

Ghost Net Retrieval Areas

Designated retrieval areas are specific spots within the ocean identified and managed for the focused recovery of ghost nets and other marine debris.

Improved fishing practices

Implementing better fishing techniques to reduce the loss of nets. This includes measures like using more biodegradable materials for nets, tracking devices, and better anchoring systems to prevent accidental loss.

Volunteer clean up initiatives

Funding and supporting organizations that are actively involved in cleaning up ghost nets and other marine debris. This includes volunteer programs and non-profit organizations.

Conclusion

Together, we can make a difference and ensure a safer, cleaner ocean for future generations.

References Hancock, L. (n.d.). Our oceans are haunted by ghost nets: Why that’s scary and what we can do. Retrieved August 10, 2024, from World Wildlife Fund website: https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/our-oceans-are-haunted-by-ghost-nets-why-that-s-scary-and-what-we-can-do--26 Langenheim, J. (2015, August 19). MEET THE VOLUNTEERS REMOVING DEADLY GHOST NETS FROM THE OCEAN. Retrieved from Environment website: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/paid-content-prada-renylon-wellington-new-zealand Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. (2018, April 13). 86,000 Pounds of Ghost Nets Removed from a Single Reef in Papahānaumokuākea. Retrieved from localhost website: https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/new-news/2022/08/04/ghost-nets-removed/ Pentecost, K. (2019, January 30). Ghost nets. Retrieved from Australian National Maritime Museum website: https://www.sea.museum/2019/01/30/ghost-nets Treggiden, K. (2014, November 16). Biodegradable fishing nets could prevent sea mammal deaths. Retrieved from Dezeen website: https://www.dezeen.com/2014/11/16/remora-alejandro-plasencia-rfid-tracked-biodegradable-fishing-nets-recycle/ WSPA. (n.d.). Fishing’s phantom menace. Retrieved from https://www.worldanimalprotection.us/siteassets/reports-programmatic/fishings-phantom-menace-report.pdf WWF. (n.d.). Stopping Ghost Gear | Projects | WWF. Retrieved August 10, 2024, from World Wildlife Fund website: https://www.worldwildlife.org/projects/stopping-ghost-gear