Three large ghost nets have been removed from Queensland waters between the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Torres Strait, in a joint operation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Parks Australia.
The location of the three ghost nets had already been monitored as part of a global positioning systems (GPS) ghost net tracker trial being conducted by AFMA and Parks Australia.
GPS tracking enhances the capacity to continually track the ghost nets while they are drifting and arrange for their retrieval by an appropriate vessel. The use of GPS tracking devices also provides valuable information relating to the movement of ghost nets in Australian and adjacent waters.
Jason Mundy, Parks Australia Head of Marine Protected Areas, said managing and removing threats to Australian Marine Parks is a high priority.
‘Removing these nets is important for the protection of marine species and the safety of those who work in and enjoy our marine environment,’ he said.
These three ghost nets weighed a total of eight tonnes and are believed to have come from fishing vessels operating in waters north of Australia.
The three ghost nets contained living marine species including a cod, octopus and several crabs that were subsequently released. Two dead moray eels were also found in the nets.
AFMA’s General Manager of Fisheries Operations, Peter Venslovas highlighted the importance of removing ghost nets from Australian waters.
‘Ghost nets drifting in Australian waters can kill our marine life and be a danger to vessels, so it’s paramount they’re removed when possible,’ he said.
