Mapping the ghosts of the five oceans

This art piece is created by the artist for the the advancement and funding of solutions toward the ecological problems of Ghost Fishing.

Fishing gear is one of the most damaging forms of plastic pollution as it is designed to trap marine life. It entangles marine mammals and fishes, smothers habitats and even threatens human life. There is also a subsequent impact of ghost fishing, where discarded nets and pots trap one organism, which then acts as a baited trap enticing other animals in.

We know that fishing gear is one of the most commonly found items on beaches and that it contributes nearly half of the floating plastic found in the Pacific gyre, but we do not have a robust estimate of how much fishing gear is lost on a global scale and where the most problematic regions are. This information is crucial for improving management and mitigation of this plastic waste. We need to assess what data we have available in order to understand where to focus our reduction efforts.

We welcome solutions that target this problem both at a practical level and research level. We are keen to hear proposed solutions from companies such as diving organisations or NGO’s in the ocean sector, that have existing operations. Academics focusing on marine sciences are also encouraged to put forward detailed research proposals that will positively add value to this vast challenge.