Ghost nets
Tuesday 30 October 2018
Abandoned, lost or discarded equipment—fishing nets, ropes, lines and tackle—go on ‘ghost fishing’ for many years.
They damage the marine environment, impact fish stocks and are a serious hazard to boats.
Many threatened and endangered marine species are impacted by entanglement and ingestion of fishing gear.
You can help prevent ghost nets in the marine environment by:
- Storing waste fishing gear such as cut-off lengths of rope or line, damaged floats or lures and used cyalumes (glow sticks) in closed containers.
- Checking lines and nets regularly for damage.
- Trying to retrieve snagged gear where possible.
- Stowing your gear securely when it’s not in use.
Read more about marine pollution or reporting a marine pollution incident.