Ghost nets are discarded fishing nets that have been lost or deliberately cut-off, leaving them in the ocean. Ghost nets have been a major contributor to ocean pollution and has been haunting our seas for several years. Most ghost nets are made up of plastic and can last for centuries. Studies show that discarded fishing gears is the biggest plastic polluter, with ghost nets estimated to make up 46% to 70% of all macroplastic marine debris by weight.
During the Saving Philippine Reefs Expedition in Moalboal and Badian, the team found large ghost nets entangled among the coral reefs.
This can become a major problem in the area, as ghost nets not only pose as a hazard for divers, but can also entangle marine animals causing starvation, infection suffocation and eventually killing them.
In Cebu, these ghost nets can even be found in marine protected areas where fishing is not allowed in the first place, and many sites also document marine animals that have been entangled by these nets. CCEF is one of the many organizations that are working towards removing ghost nets from haunting the seas. Support our work for trash free seas by giving to our Lend A Blue Hand Program. Partner with us by sending us an email at info@coast.ph or contact us at (032)233-6909.