Udupi: In a remarkable eco-innovation for ocean preservation, abandoned fishing nets—often referred to as ghost nets—retrieved from the Karnataka coastline have now found new life as sustainable beach furniture.
This transformation is part of an ambitious marine conservation initiative led by ReefWatch Marine Conservation, with support from Harit by HCL Foundation. Since 2023, nearly 10 tonnes of ghost nets have been extracted from the sea under this project.
Once removed, the nets go through a rigorous process of cleaning, sorting, and prepping. However, the critical challenge was how to repurpose this hazardous marine waste. Project coordinator Arpita Dutta shared that a key breakthrough came via collaboration with the Goa-based OneEarth Foundation. “They experimented with mixing ghost nets and other recyclable materials to craft usable items like benches, tables, and even prototype lamps,” she explained.
The first batch of upcycled products—two benches and a table—was gifted to Kanchugodu fishing village in Kundapur, which had contributed around 3.7 tonnes of the retrieved ghost nets. “This is not just about removal—it’s about transformation and awareness,” Dutta added.
Venkatesh Sheregar, Outreach Officer at ReefWatch, highlighted the grave danger ghost nets pose, especially to turtles. “This initiative gives marine debris a new purpose and sends out a strong conservation message,” he said.
The furniture was officially handed over during Earth Day celebrations, attended by Range Forest Officer Raghavendra Naik. The day also featured a beach clean-up drive, where students, locals, and volunteers removed 184 kg of waste from the shore.
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