Ghost Nets: The Climate and Wildlife Toll of Lost Fishing Gear

February 11, 2025

By Gerselle Koh, 2025 Future Blue Youth Council member

Cover photo by Michelle Gu (Save the Whales, 2019).

Every year, millions of tons of fishing gear are lost, abandoned, or discarded in the world’s oceans, creating what are known as “ghost nets.” These silent killers continue to float through marine environments long after their intended use, wreaking havoc on ecosystems, wildlife, and even the climate. While often overshadowed by more visible forms of marine pollution, ghost nets are among the most insidious threats to ocean health.

Ghost nets make up an estimated 10% of all marine litter,¹ highlighting their significant contribution to the plastic pollution crisis. A study conducted in 2022 found that, if put together, the amount of lost fishing gear in the ocean would stretch all the way to the moon and back. This includes 25 million pots and traps and 14 billion hooks.²

Unlike organic materials used in traditional fishing methods, modern ghost nets are often made of durable synthetic materials, such as nylon and other plastics that can last for centuries.³ As these nets drift, they continue to trap marine life indiscriminately. According to World Animal Protection, ghost nets kill over 100,000 seals, sea lions, and large whales each year. Additionally, ingestion of fishing gear can lead to gastrointestinal perforation, obstruction, sepsis, toxicity, and starvation in marine animals.⁴

The Ocean’s Plight by Hayeon Rah, 2024

Coral reefs, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” are particularly vulnerable. Ghost nets that settle on reefs break fragile coral structures, block sunlight, and smother the corals, impeding their growth. This damage not only reduces the reefs’ ability to support marine biodiversity but also weakens their critical role as natural barriers against storm surges. Healthy coral reefs are essential for protecting coastlines and supporting carbon cycling, making their preservation crucial for climate resilience.⁵

However, the impact of ghost nets extends beyond individual animals. By indiscriminately catching marine life, ghost nets disrupt food chains and deplete fish stocks, threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities reliant on fishing. In fact, studies indicate that in some regions, up to 30% of the decline in fish stocks can be attributed to ghost nets.⁶ This leaves local fishing communities facing reduced harvests, increased fishing efforts, and lost fishing time, further exacerbating the economic and social challenges they face.

Another significant way humans are impacted is through plastic pollution in the ocean. While we typically think of plastic waste like packaging and bottles, ghost nets also degrade into smaller particles, contributing to the growing problem of microplastics. These tiny plastic fragments are ingested by marine organisms, further disrupting the food chain. The scale of this issue is highlighted by a study from Portland State University (PSU)’s Applied Coastal Ecology Lab, which found microplastic particles in 99 percent of fish and shellfish samples.⁷ This contamination doesn’t stop at marine life; ultimately, it reaches humans through seafood consumption, compounding the threat to human health.

Habitats from Habits by Ishanvi Kommula, 2021

On the brighter side, international initiatives, such as the United Nations’ “Clean Seas” program and the Global Pact for the Environment, are taking steps toward reducing marine pollution. Alongside these, efforts to tackle ghost nets are gaining momentum. Programs like Fishing for Litter encourage fishers to collect debris while at sea, while organisations like the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) focus on retrieving abandoned gear and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

Additionally, technological innovations provide promising solutions, including biodegradable fishing gear and GPS tagging systems that help prevent gear loss in the first place. In line with this, the concept of a circular economy, where fishing gear is reused or recycled, has significant potential to reduce the amount of gear that ends up in the ocean. By rethinking how materials are used and disposed of, the fishing industry can move toward a more sustainable future.

However, while these collective efforts are critical, individual consumers also play a crucial role. Supporting sustainable seafood by choosing certified sustainable products such as those verified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Seafood Watch Partner, and Friend of the Sea, can help to reduce the demand for harmful fishing practices. Consumers must recognise the impact their purchasing decisions can have on ocean health, including their contribution to reducing the prevalence of ghost nets.

The importance of these initiatives cannot be overstated. A healthy ocean is essential in the fight against climate breakdown, and addressing the challenge of ghost nets requires coordinated action from governments, organisations, and individuals alike. With increased participation in recovery initiatives, there is hope that the devastating impacts on marine life and ecosystems can be mitigated, ensuring the preservation of our seas for future generations. Until then, the threat posed by these “ghosts” remains a very real issue.

Save North Atlantic Right Whales by Joanna Liu, 2019

 

Bibliography

1. Stopping Ghost Gear. (n.d.). World Wildlife Fund. https://www.worldwildlife.org/projects/stopping-ghost-gear
2. Richardson, K., Hardesty, B. D., Vince, J., & Wilcox, C. (2022). Global estimates of fishing gear lost to the ocean each year. Science Advances, 8(41). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abq0135
3. ORP. (2021, August 26). What are ghost nets made of? Olive Ridley Project. https://oliveridleyproject.org/ufaqs/what-are-ghost-nets-made-of/
4. Sea change campaign. (n.d.). World Animal Protection. https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/our-campaigns/past-campaigns/sea-change/
5. The importance of coral reefs: Corals tutorial. (n.d.). NOAA’s National Ocean Service. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_corals/coral07_importance.html
6. Impact of “Ghost Fishing“ via Derelict Fishing Gear. (n.d.). Ocean Conservancy. https://oceanconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Ghostfishing_DFG.pdf
7. Maritime, B. (2025, January 15). Study reveals microplastics widespread in seafood caught in Oregon’s waters. Baird Maritime / Work Boat World. https://www.bairdmaritime.com/fishing/regulation-enforcement/study-reveals-microplastics-widespread-in-seafood-caught-in-oregons-waters