Australian government joins fight against killer ghost fishing nets

• The federal government is joining the Global Ghost Gear Initiative and committing to spending $1.4 million to address the massive problem
• In just seven years, up to 14,600 turtles were caught in 8,690 ghost nets found across northern Australia

The Australian Government’s commitment to tackling the scourge of deadly ghost fishing nets has been welcomed by the Australian Marine Conservation Society and the Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation.

Ghost gear is any fishing gear that has been lost or discarded by fishing vessels and is deadly to marine life as it floats in the sea for years, trapping animals in its path. Fishing gear can get caught on rocks or coral, accidentally cut loose by other boats, or washed away and lost during storms and extreme weather events. Fishing gear can also be intentionally discarded when disposal options are not available, or by fishermen concealing evidence of illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing. Ghost fishing gear is a scourge for northern Australia. Scientists estimate that between 4,866 and 14,600 turtles were caught in 8,690 ghost nets found in the north between 2005 and 2012.

Cip Hamilton, Campaign Manager at AMCS Plastics, said: “Ghost fishing nets are among the deadliest forms of marine debris in our oceans, as they continue to trap and kill marine life long after they are lost or discarded by fishing boats.”

“Ghost fishing gear is a global problem and we urgently need a global solution. “So we are pleased that Australia has recognized the need for joint, international action by joining the Global Ghost Gear Initiative.” Now the government must walk the talk and negotiate an ambitious global plastics deal to end plastic pollution in our oceans end.

“Despite our relative isolation from the rest of the world, ghost fishing gear is a major problem for Australia, particularly in the north. Due to ocean currents, the Gulf of Carpentaria is one of the hotspots for ghost nets in the world, with more than 90% of them believed to come from foreign fishing boats. Scientists estimated up to 14,600 turtles were caught in more than 8,000 ghost nets found across northern Australia in just seven years.

“Arnhem Land’s Dhimurru Rangers have found 39 ghost nets along a 50km stretch of coast so far this year.”

AMCS Great Barrier Reef Fisheries Campaign Manager Simon Miller said: “Ghost gear, including fishing nets and fishing lines, is one of the biggest threats to turtles and other known marine life, not only in the Great Barrier Reef but throughout northern Australia. Ghost gear can become entangled in and eaten by turtles and other marine life. On some beaches it can build up so much that it buries turtle nests or prevents the hatchlings from reaching the water. “Ghost nets are a major problem for northern Australia’s olive ridley and hawksbill turtle populations, whose populations are believed to be in decline.”

Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation (DAC) Senior Ranger Wanga Mununggurritj said: “It is really hard work and touching for us Yolngu people to see animals wrapped in ghost nets. We see all the trash on the beaches and along the coast. It really hurts us and is frustrating. We saw turtles wrapped in nets, but they also eat plastic. It affects all marine animals.”

Paul Ellis, DAC Marine Debris and Ghost Nets Coordinator, said: “An investment in our rangers is an investment in the future of our environment. Dhimurru needs the government’s continued support to continue our vital work to care and protect the country.”

DAC Ranger Kim Wunungmurra said: “The Australian Government’s commitment to join the Global Ghost Gear Initiative is a great thing for our marine land and an opportunity to protect it.”