We’re an award-winning British charity (no: 1174396), and since 2015, we’ve been on a mission to clean our oceans by removing Abandoned, Lost, and Discarded Fishing Gear, also known as ‘Ghost Gear.’
Our team is a dedicated group of volunteer scuba divers trained in advanced diving techniques to minimize environmental impact. We’re passionate about making our waters safer for marine life and scuba divers by eliminating these hazardous entanglements.
With over 70 volunteers, we’re proud to be an independent organization tirelessly tackling the ghost gear problem.
Awards & Recognitions:
- Plastic Free Awards 2021 – Winner
- Fishing News Awards 2022 – Winner
The Ghost Gear Problem
Ghost fishing gear has been a long-standing issue but has only gained public attention recently. It’s an unfortunate reality of fishing that nets, pots, and lines sometimes get lost. This lost gear continues to catch marine life, creating a harmful cycle in the marine ecosystem.
Animals are needlessly trapped and killed by ghost gear, perpetuating a vicious cycle where the caught animals attract even more marine life.
What We Do
Our journey began in 2015 with a team of dedicated divers determined to remove ghost gear from the ocean. It’s a challenging task, often involving complex entanglements in reefs and wrecks.
Our divers survey sites, collect data on ghost gear and trapped animals, and use innovative techniques to safely remove the gear. This involves attaching air-filled bags to lift the gear and carefully cutting it free.
Our Vision
As a registered charity, Ghost Fishing UK relies on dedicated volunteers who give their time to raise awareness and dive to recover lost gear. We pioneered the world’s first Ghost Fishing course and continue to train new divers.
Scuba divers can report any ghost gear they find through our online reporting system, helping us clean our oceans more effectively.
Partners and Associates
We’re always fundraising to cover the costs of recovering ghost gear. We welcome businesses to join our cause through fundraising campaigns or sponsoring recovery missions.
We collaborate with universities, Seasearch, Sussex Wildlife Trust, Ocean Plastic Pots, and the Sealife Trust to enhance our impact.
In the Media
Ghost Fishing UK has featured on the BBC One Show, Springwatch, Devon & Cornwall Show, and Sky News, helping raise awareness about the ghost gear problem.
Our talented team of underwater videographers and photographers work closely with the media for maximum outreach. We also host talks and events across the country, featuring a range of guest speakers.
For more information, visit our FAQs page or contact us directly. Let’s make our oceans safer and cleaner together!