UPDATE: A major marine rescue operation is underway in the Clyde, where volunteer divers have successfully rescued hundreds of sea creatures trapped in abandoned fishing gear. This urgent initiative highlights the severe impact of ‘ghost fishing’ gear on marine life and aims to prevent further ecological damage.
The team of divers, working in the chilly waters off Gourock, has uncovered a devastating scene: numerous small sea creatures, including starfish and crabs, ensnared in lost nets and lines. As the divers surface with the trapped animals, they emphasize the critical importance of addressing this hidden environmental crisis.
Jason Coles, skipper at Wreckspeditions Dive Charters, shared his emotional response to the operation, stating, “This gear is not there purposely; sometimes it’s just lost. Seeing these wee critters completely helpless, just covered up in net and line, tugs at the heartstrings.”
Each marine animal recovered during the operation is carefully logged before being released back into the water. The scale of the problem is staggering, with an estimated 640,000 tonnes of ghost fishing gear entering the world’s oceans annually, accounting for approximately 10% of all marine plastic pollution.
The efforts in Scotland are gaining momentum, with the Fishing for Litter project encouraging fishermen to collect litter while at sea. According to Julia Cant, the project has successfully collected around 150 tonnes of marine debris each year. This year marks the project’s 20th anniversary, with hopes to expand participation among harbors.
The volunteers from Ghost Fishing UK are a passionate group dedicated to cleaning up marine environments. “We all started off as scuba divers with a love for nature, and seeing the equipment on our favorite sites is disheartening,” said Fred Nunn from the organization. “Ten years ago, we decided to take action, and now we’re spreading our efforts across the country.”
As this critical operation continues, the public is encouraged to report ghost fishing gear sightings to Ghost Fishing UK. Every report contributes to safeguarding marine life in Scotland’s waters. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated; immediate action is essential to protect our seas and the creatures that inhabit them.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds, and consider sharing this vital information to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of ghost fishing gear.
