Ghost nets pose a severe threat to marine ecosystems
Northern Australia is a global hotspot for ghost gear and First Nations rangers work tirelessly to disentangle wildlife and remove thousands of nets each year, yet much of the harm to marine life often happens long before the nets reach the shore.
Ghost nets (abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear) are one of the greatest threats to our oceans. They make up 50% of macro marine plastic and can drift for decades, entangling and killing countless species.
Turtles are especially vulnerable, accounting for 80% of recorded entanglements, with devastating impacts on marine ecosystems.
Throughout the rest of Australia, recreational fishing gear is the largest source of ghost gear, ensnaring marine life and damaging habitats in our estuaries and coastal waters.
We're working to turn off the tap: stopping ghost gear from international sources washing up in northern Australia by 2030.
Our Goals
1. No ghost gear from international sources washing up in Northern Australia by 2030
2. No ghost gear from recreational fishing in Australia by 2030
3. A circular program for end-of-life fishing gear in the commercial sector by 2030