Abandoned Fishing Gear (Ghost Nets)

Abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear, often referred to as 'ghost fishing gear,' is a pervasive and deadly form of ocean pollution. An estimated 640,000 metric tons of this gear, including nets, lines, and traps, are added to the oceans annually. These derelict items continue to 'fish' indiscriminately, entangling and killing marine animals long after they have been lost or discarded. This ghost gear is particularly harmful, as it has been documented to trap and kill a significant number of marine mammal species. The presence of these nets poses a continuous threat to marine ecosystems, leading to injuries, suffocation, and starvation for countless animals.