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Divers Pluck 100kg of Ghost Nets from Goa's Seas
24 Feb
Summary
- Divers removed nearly 100kg of abandoned fishing nets from the sea.
- Ghost nets pose a severe threat, silently destroying marine ecosystems.
- Divers urge institutional intervention for large-scale ghost net removal.
Professional divers operating off Goa's coastline successfully retrieved nearly 100kg of abandoned fishing nets, known as ghost nets, from the waters near Bogmalo beach. This annual initiative aims to combat marine pollution and protect underwater ecosystems. The divers noted that the problem is worsening, with nets deeply entangled in rocks and smaller fragments dispersed by tides, contributing to silent destruction beneath the waves.
These ghost nets present a significant hazard to marine life, indiscriminately trapping fish, turtles, and crustaceans. As they move with the sea currents, they accumulate additional debris, increasing their buoyancy and spreading pollution over wider areas, making removal difficult and dangerous. The divers highlighted that while private efforts are valuable, the extensive nature of ghost net pollution necessitates professional intervention.
They urged authorities to deploy specialized agencies equipped with advanced technology and trained personnel to tackle the issue, particularly in deeper waters where they cannot safely operate. While their love for the sea and diving motivates their cleanup efforts, their capacity as private entities is limited. They stressed that clean waters are vital for Goa's biodiversity and its dependence on fishing and tourism, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive action against this growing underwater waste problem.
