The first law of ecology is the Law of Interdependence, which demonstrates that all species are in a relationship of interdependence with each other. In harmony with this fundamental rule, Sea Shepherd has created a place where both private citizens and various diving organizations and associations can work together to map the location of lost and abandoned ghostnets and other fishing gear. This database, found on the Sea Shepherd Italy website, allows anyone to report the presence of abandoned fishing equipment in the Mediterranean Sea. This data is essential for helping chart the course for our campaign so our crew can decide where to start collecting abandoned equipment.
Note: this database collection page is in Italian, but you can also fill out your information in English.
Using Sea Shepherd Italy's catamaran, the MV Conrad, our crew and volunteer professional divers evaluate the reports received and investigate potential sites using underwater 3D scanners. Divers then make site survey dives to make sure the nets or pots can be removed safely. It's essential to carry out an environmental and ecological impact assessment to determine whether the nets should be removed.
Nets and other fishing gear that become completely integrated into the marine habitat could actually cause more damage if recovered than if left alone. The recovered nets, lines and pots will be brought back to the surface using all the equipment and techniques available. In many cases, multiple dives are required when extracting heavily tangled fishing gear in sensitive marine areas.
The recovered ghostnets and other fishing gear will be brought ashore and separated according to their material, then recycled. Nets and fish aggregating devices (FADs) can be converted into yarn or pellets; recycled nylon in particular can be recycled into an important raw material for the production of new useful products.
In cases where reuse isn't possible, we ensure their careful disposal.
The meticulous gathering and analysis of scientific data during the recovery process of abandoned fishing gear at sea offers invaluable insights into the current health of our oceans and the detrimental impact these ghostnets exert on marine ecosystems.
Collaboratively examining and disseminating this information with all concerned organizations is crucial to help raise awareness of this serious environmental issue, and important for finding effective solutions to halt this destructive phenomenon.
Some images of the Sea Shepherd crew and volunteer divers on the Ghostnet Campaign in Italy. Click on the orange arrows (or scroll right) to see more.