
Abandoned, lost and discarded nets, lines and traps are one of the biggest threats to our sea life. A staggering 640,000 tonnes of gear is left in our oceans each year. That gear traps, injures, mutilates and kills hundreds of thousands of whales, seals, turtles and birds annually. So, through our Sea Change campaign, we’re aiming to save one million animals by 2018.
You can upload pictures and locations of ghost gear here.
We’re working in three ways to protect animals from ghost fishing gear. We:
As a member of the public, you can:
The Global Ghost Gear Initiative is a big part of our Sea Change campaign. By collaborating with a range of partners, we’re working to understand just how bad the problem of ghost fishing gear is – and to respond with solutions that work for animals and people. The seafood industry spends millions each year untangling nets from propellers, for example, so we’re developing solutions that protect animals and benefit businesses too.
Find out how to get involved with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative.
At least 136,000 seals, sea lions and large whales killed each year
Around 640,000 tonnes of gear discarded annually = 90,000 double decker buses
125 tonnes of fish caught = about 1 tonne of gear discarded
World Animal Protection Limited (formerly WSPA New Zealand Incorporated). Registered charity CC53491.