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Sharks Rescued From Ghost Fishing Gear
15 Aug
Summary
- Two bull huss sharks found trapped in a lost crab pot.
- Divers discovered the trapped sharks while monitoring maerl beds.
- Charity urges reporting of lost fishing gear to protect marine life.
Two bull huss sharks were recently found by divers ensnared in a discarded crab pot. The sharks were discovered off St Mawes, Cornwall, by marine conservation officer Matt Slater and a friend during a project funded by Cornwall Council to monitor maerl beds. Slater expressed surprise that two sharks could fit in the pot, noting they could have starved to death after weeks of being trapped.
This rescue brings attention to the pervasive problem of ghost gear, which includes abandoned and lost fishing equipment. The Cornwall Wildlife Trust is calling for government investment in measures to prevent gear loss, improve reporting mechanisms, and support recovery efforts. They stress that fishers often lose gear accidentally due to adverse weather conditions.
The charity emphasizes the need for collaboration among fishers, conservation organizations, and coastal communities. By working together on reporting, recovery, and prevention, they aim to protect marine wildlife while also supporting sustainable fishing businesses and Cornwall's broader marine environment.
