Three-tonne ‘ghost net’ removed from remote Wessel Islands
In November 2023, a three-tonne ghost net was removed from the waters surrounding the remote Wessel Islands, off the cost of the Northern Territory, in a joint operation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Parks Australia.
The ghost net was retrieved by Groote Holdings Aboriginal Corporation’s vessel, Centaur II, under contract to AFMA with funding support from Parks Australia’s Ghost Nets Initiative. The vessel then returned to Darwin, where AFMA arranged for disposal of the ghost net in accordance with Australian biosecurity requirements.
The Wessel Islands are 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 of the islands by south-east trade winds during the dry season.
The retrieved ghost net was a drifting gillnet and is believed to have been abandoned or lost by a foreign fishing vessel and floated into Australia’s exclusive economic zone.
The waters surrounding the Wessel Islands are a safe haven for female turtles to lay eggs. They are also home to other commercially significant species including spanish mackerel, grey mackerel, tropical snappers, various shark and prawn species.
Ghost nets are lost, abandoned, or otherwise discarded fishing nets that pose a threat to marine life, ecosystems, fisheries, and livelihoods. They travel on currents and create a safety hazard which impacts on shipping and navigation. They can also introduce marine pests and synthetic materials to the environment.
Quotes attributable to Mr Justin Bathurst, General Manager, Fisheries Operations, AFMA:
Mr Justin Bathurst, AFMA’s General Manager, Fisheries Operations, said that the latest retrieval highlighted the harm ghost nets have on the marine environment.
“Ghost nets are a significant issue and AFMA will continue working with other government agencies to deal with abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear that enters our exclusive economic zone,” Mr Bathurst said.
Quotes attributable to Ms Bianca Priest, Branch Head, Parks Australia:
Parks Australia’s Ms Bianca Priest, Branch Head for Marine and Island Parks, said managing and removing threats to Australian Marine Parks was a high priority.
“Ghost nets can be several kilometres long and drift into some of our most sensitive marine habitats,” Ms Priest said.
“Removing these nets is important for the protection of marine species and the safety of those who work in and enjoy our marine environment.”
The Australian Government is committed to protecting Australia’s wildlife and marine resources and the public is a valuable partner in identifying threats. The public is 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.
Visit our website to find out more about ghost nets and other abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear.
For more information:
Media: media@afma.gov.au or 0437 869 860
www.afma.gov.au