Udupi: In a remarkable two-year effort, approximately 10 tonnes of ghost nets have been retrieved from the coasts between Udupi and Karwar as part of a retrieval project by ReefWatch Marine Conservation, supported by the HCL Foundation. These discarded or lost fishing nets, known as ghost nets, pose a significant threat to marine life, contributing to the growing issue of marine strandings in the region.
Yashashwini M, research officer at ReefWatch Marine Conservation in Kundapur, shared that since 2019, the team, along with the forest department, has responded to 380 cases of marine strandings, including sea turtles and cetaceans. A staggering 280 of these cases involved sea turtles. The research has revealed that plastic ingestion, particularly of ghost nets, is a major issue for these turtles. Mistaking plastic for food, turtles consume it, causing blockages in their stomachs. This leads to constant hunger, as they cannot ingest real food, forcing them to break down their own muscles in an attempt to survive.
Venkatesh Sheregar, outreach officer at ReefWatch, highlighted that net entanglement is one of the leading causes of marine injuries and strandings. He explained that ghost nets, when entangled around turtles’ necks or flippers, often lead to severe injuries or death. Since 2023, ReefWatch has undertaken a systematic ghost net retrieval project, collecting around 10 tonnes of these nets so far.
To address the disposal issue, ReefWatch has engaged with local fishermen, offering Rs 15 per kg for ghost nets, which are typically not accepted by scrap dealers. Once collected, the nets are cleaned, processed, and upcycled. Additionally, ReefWatch is working with engineering colleges in Mangaluru and Udupi to develop sustainable upcycling solutions for these nets.
Awareness campaigns from Malpe to Honnavar and beach cleanups are also part of this initiative, demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and supporting local communities.
Read Also: