- Marine Conservation in Action: Uniting Forces to Remove Ghost Nets Threatening Portugal’s Seas
- Turning Ocean Waste into Textiles: Transforming Recovered Fishing Nets into Stylish Products
- A Greener Future: Ambibérica Joins the Mission to Manage and Transport Marine Litter
[Sesimbra, 12/12/23] – The Healthy Seas Foundation, a global non-profit dedicated to the removal of marine litter, proudly reveals a landmark collaboration with Ghost Diving Portugal and Ambibérica. This strategic alliance, aimed at combating marine pollution in Portugal, commenced with a highly successful diving mission at Catrapona on the 2nd of December, where 30 meters of gill net and cables, weighing approximately 15 kilograms, were safely retrieved. This highlights the urgency of addressing the threat posed by ghost nets to marine life in the region.
Ghost nets, abandoned or lost fishing gear, continue to pose a severe danger to marine ecosystems. These silent killers entangle and trap marine life, causing injury, deformities, and, in many cases, death. The recent diving mission in Catrapona, located near the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, exposed the critical need for such conservation efforts. The recovered nets, embedded in the rocks at depths ranging from 34 to 45 meters, were covered by gorgonians and numerous hard corals, emphasizing the urgency of their removal to prevent further harm to the delicate marine environment.
In the words of Miguel Serafim from Ghost Diving Portugal, “Our recent dive in Catrapona showcased the urgency of addressing ghost nets in Portugal. Collaborating with Healthy Seas Foundation and Ambibérica allows us to not only remove these nets but also follow their transformation into innovative products, providing a new life to the recovered litter.”
The partnership with Ambibérica ensures the efficient management, deposit, and logistics for shipping the retrieved marine litter, advancing the foundation’s commitment to environmental sustainability. “Ambibérica is proud to contribute its waste management expertise to support the Healthy Seas Foundation,” states XXX, Ambibérica Spokesperson. “By facilitating the logistics and deposit of the marine litter, we play a crucial role in creating a circular economy and fostering sustainable practices.”
As part of their ongoing commitment, the organizations are already planning future diving missions for 2024. Identified spots include Pedra da Milu, where numerous fishing nets are located just five miles away from Sesimbra’s harbor. Other spots include Cabo Espichel, recommended by a local fisherman, the other side of Catrapona, focusing on gill nets, Albufeira, a request from the local city council to survey areas with assumed lost gear, and Madeira, where a survey of spots with lost fishing gear is planned.
“We are thrilled to extend our reach to Portugal through this partnership,” expresses the Healthy Seas Foundation Director. “By collaborating with Ghost Diving Portugal and Ambibérica, we reinforce our commitment to protecting seas and fostering a sustainable future. Together, we can make a lasting impact on marine ecosystems now also in Portugal.”
For further information, high-resolution images, and video materials, please check out here:
Pictures: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0s12zy77c9pec1xh1nt3n/h?rlkey=ohrxg9s4ai5f5dd78t21jxfex&dl=0
About Healthy Seas Foundation:
Healthy Seas is an international non-profit organisation whose mission is to remove waste from the seas, in particular fishing nets, for the purpose of creating healthier seas and recycling marine litter into new products. The recovered fishing nets will be transformed and regenerated by Aquafil, together with other nylon waste, into ECONYL® yarn, a high-quality raw material used to create new products, such as socks, swimwear, sportswear, or carpets. Other types of plastic nets are given to others for recycling, for example Bracenet, a company that uses different type of fishing nets to make bracelets and accessories. Beyond cleanup, our pillars encompass prevention and education. In collaboration with volunteer divers and fishermen, we’ve successfully reclaimed over 905 tons of waste globally. Our reach spans from the US to Korea, involving 150 partners and nearly 300 dedicated volunteers.
About Ghost Diving Portugal:
Ghost Diving Portugal is the 14th chapter of Ghost Diving Global Mission and was founded in November 2021. Our mission aligns with Ghost Diving’s core values, focusing on the tracking and retrieval of ghost fishing gear, raising awareness about the issue of ghost fishing, conducting environmental education programs and collaborating with multiple entities and communities.
About Ambibérica:
Ambibérica, established in early 2011 and located in Braga, specializes in waste recovery and treatment. The company focuses on the Integrated Management of Non-Hazardous Industrial Waste, with a specific emphasis on textile fibres and plastic derivatives, while also providing environmental advisory services.