I Am Against…Ghost Net Pollution

Plastic Nets. The Silent Serial Killers in Our Oceans

In the waters and reefs of northern Australia and the wide blue expanse of the Pacific, an invisible killer silently drifts beneath the surface — ghost nets. These abandoned fishing nets, often hundreds of metres long, continue to trap and kill marine life long after their intended use. But what exactly are ghost nets, why are they a problem, and what’s being done to stop their deadly legacy?

What Are Ghost Nets?

Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been lost, abandoned, or deliberately discarded at sea. Made from durable synthetic materials like nylon or polyethylene, they can float through the oceans for decades, ensnaring anything in their path — from turtles and fish to whales and seabirds.

Originally designed to catch seafood, these nets become death traps when left unattended, continuing to capture marine life in a cruel cycle known as ghost fishing.

Why Are Ghost Nets a Problem?

1.             They Kill Wildlife, and keep fishing indefinitely

Ghost nets kill an estimated 100,000 marine animals every year, including endangered species like the green sea turtle and dugongs in Australian waters.

2.             They Destroy Habitats

Nets drift into coral reefs and seabeds, tearing apart fragile ecosystems like seagrass meadows and coral structures, which are crucial for biodiversity. Nets can smother coral reefs, destroy seagrass beds, and damage other underwater habitats.

3.             They Are Major Plastic Pollutants

Over time, ghost nets break down into microplastics — tiny plastic particles that enter the food chain when consumed by fish and marine organisms. These plastics make their way up to humans too, posing unknown long-term health risks.

4.             They’re a Global Waste Crisis

Fishing gear makes up an estimated 46% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and ghost nets are a major contributor to this floating plastic vortex.

5. Navigation Hazards

Floating nets can get caught in boat propellers or damage ships.

Why Are Ghost Nets Dumped in the Ocean? 

•               Accidental loss: Storms or strong currents can dislodge nets from boats.

•               Avoiding Disposal Costs. In many places, it’s easier (and cheaper) to dump gear than to return and dispose of it properly. •  Properly disposing of damaged nets onshore can be expensive or inconvenient.

•               In some countries, there are limited facilities or incentives to recycle or collect old nets.

•               Illegal or unregulated fishing: Vessels operating outside the law often ditch nets to avoid detection.

•               Lack of awareness and infrastructure: In some regions, there are few systems in place to collect, recycle, or track old nets.

•               Overcapacity or Gear Replacement: When nets are worn out, some fishers may discard them at sea, especially in regions with weak enforcement or lack of education around marine pollution.

What’s Being Done to Stop Dumping Ghost Nets?

1. Ghost Net Recovery Programs

Australia is leading the way with GhostNets Australia, a community-based alliance of Indigenous ranger groups that has removed over 13,000 ghost nets from the Gulf of Carpentaria and Torres Strait.

2. Recycling & Upcycling Initiatives

Projects like Tangaroa Blue and Sea Shepherd’s Marine Debris Campaign recover ghost nets and partner with companies to recycle them into carpets, sunglasses, swimwear, and even art. The Erub Arts Collective creates powerful sculptures out of ghost nets to raise awareness globally. Programs like Net-Works or Healthy Seas turn old nets into carpets, swimwear, and more.

3. Education & Incentives

Working with fishing communities to raise awareness, while pushing for better gear marking, tracking technology, and infrastructure for disposal. Teaching fishers about the impacts, and providing disposal sites or buy-back programs.

4. New Technology

Innovative biodegradable nets and improved port reception facilities for old gear are all part of the growing toolkit. New tech allows nets to be GPS-tracked, and some countries now require net identification.

Ghost Nets and Microplastics: A Hidden Threat

As ghost nets degrade under sunlight, wave action, and time, they release millions of microplastic particles into the marine environment. These plastics:

•               Are ingested by plankton, fish, and seabirds

•               Can carry toxic pollutants

•               Eventually make their way into the human food chain

In short, ghost nets don’t just strangle sea turtles — they become a long-term pollution problem with far-reaching ecological and health impacts.

How You Can Help

Advocate for stronger regulations around ocean waste, and support organisations or projects like these:

1. GhostNets Australia 

What they do:

•               A community-based alliance of Indigenous ranger groups who locate, retrieve, and repurpose ghost nets.

•               Since 2004, they’ve removed over 13,000 nets and saved hundreds of marine animals.

•               They also turn ghost nets into art to raise awareness (check out their sculptures — they’re incredible!).

Partnered with groups like the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) and Tangaroa Blue.

2. Tangaroa Blue Foundation 

What they do:

•               Run the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) database.

•               Mobilise volunteers and community clean-ups across coastlines, many of which focus on ghost net retrieval.

•               Work with local councils, fisheries, and industry to improve waste management and prevention.

3. ReefClean (by Tangaroa Blue)

What they do:

•               A project targeting marine debris to protect the reef — ghost nets are a major focus.

•               Engage Traditional Owner groups, tourism operators, and schools in clean-ups and educational programs.

4. Ghost Net Gear Recycling Projects

Examples:

•               Sea Shepherd’s Marine Debris Campaign often partners with local groups to retrieve and recycle nets.

•               Net-Works and The Ocean Cleanup have partnered with Aussie stakeholders to recycle ghost nets into sustainable products like carpets and sunglasses.

5. Art from Ghost Nets

•               Artists like the Erub Arts Collective in the Torres Strait turn recovered ghost nets into award-winning sculptures and gallery pieces.

•               Their work helps spread awareness through exhibitions around the world — blending culture, conservation, and creativity.

The (Ocean) Bottom Line

Ghost nets are silent serial killers in our oceans — out of sight, but devastating in impact. The good news? Solutions exist, and they’re already working across Australia and beyond. From Indigenous-led clean-up operations to creative recycling projects, and education programs, every action counts.

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