Industry leads effort to retrieve three-tonne ‘ghost net’
In June 2024, a massive three-tonne ghost net was discovered and retrieved by the crew of Australia Bay II, operated by Australia Bay Seafoods. The crew returned to Darwin with the ghost net, where the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) arranged for its safe disposal in accordance with Australian biosecurity requirements.
The ghost net is believed to have been abandoned or lost by a foreign fishing vessel and floated into Australia’s exclusive economic zone.
The ghost net was trawled up off the bottom of the sea floor north-east of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, approximately 500 kilometers east of Darwin. It is suspected that the ghost net had sunk to sea floor after an unknown period of drifting.
The coastline north-east of Arnhem land is a hotspot for ghost nets and other marine pollution. Debris from Arafura Sea fisheries is often washed into the Gulf of Carpentaria during the monsoon season before being blown onto the coast by south-east trade winds during the dry season.
These waters are home to many commercially significant species including spanish mackerel, grey mackerel, tropical snappers, various shark, and prawn species.
Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear — often referred to as ‘ghost gear’ or ‘ghost nets’ — are one of the most damaging types of plastic pollution found in our oceans. Ghost nets can be kilometres long and weigh several tonnes. Once lost or discarded, they can drift for hundreds of kilometres unchecked, causing injury or death to the many marine species that become entangled in them.
Quotes attributable to Mr Wez Norris, Chief Executive Officer, AFMA:
Mr Wez Norris, AFMA’s Chief Executive Officer, congratulated the crew on their efforts to retrieve the ghost net.
“Retrieval of ghost nets is exceedingly difficult due to their enormous size and weight. I commend the crew of Australia Bay II for successfully salvaging the debris and bringing it to shore for appropriate disposal.”
Mr Norris emphasised the harm ghost nets have on the marine environment, including the safety of our commercial fishers.
“Ghost nets are a significant issue and a threat to our commercial fishing vessels and precious marine environment. They travel on currents and create a safety hazard which impacts on shipping and navigation. They pose a threat to marine life, ecosystems, fisheries, and can also introduce marine pests and synthetic materials to the marine environment.
“AFMA will continue working with industry and other government agencies to deal with abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear that enter our waters,” Mr Norris said.
Quotes attributable to Mr Michael O’Brien, General Manager, Australia Bay Seafoods:
“Australia Bay Seafoods are proud to be on the front line in Northern Australia, doing our best to protect our sustainable fisheries and helping to keep our water free of ghost nets.”
The public is a valuable partner in identifying threats to our marine environment. You are urged to report any sightings of ghost nets or other source of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear to AFMA on 02 6275 5818.
For more information:
Media: media@afma.gov.au or 0437 869 860
