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Riki Gunn is the coordinator of the Carpentaria Ghost Nets Program. She explains why the project was established and the benefits so far.
Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been lost or abandoned at sea. Modern nets are made from plastic and so do not break down and ultimately remain a hazard in their final destination – in this case the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The ghost nets retrieved can be up to 19 kilometres in length and four metres long and weigh six tons. The nets travel through the oceans with the prevailing currents and tides. Along the way they capture endangered sea creatures such as sharks, along with other marine animals. Once in the gulf waters they also capture threatened species such as turtles.
Riki says that the project has two main aspects. The first is to remove the nets as a hazard. To this end there are 18 groups of indigenous rangers whose task it is to clean the nets and remove them from beaches. They also collect information about the origin of the nets, which will help in their fight to stop the problem at the source.
The second is to recycle the nets instead of adding them to landfill. The project has begun to hold weaving workshops. The indigenous communities use the plastic twine to create woven bags with fantastic and colourful designs. The project has just been awarded its second prestigious Banksia Award.
Riki believes that a spirited attack on ghost nets is long overdue.
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