Monster ghost net recovered by divers off the coast of Aeolian Islands

On Monday, during the final day of Healthy Seas’ big 3-day mission at the Aeolian Islands (October 6-8), Ghost Fishing divers recovered the biggest net of their careers! Local witnesses explained that a storm 10 years ago caused the fish farming net to end up at sea. The net, which weighed over 2 tons, was intact and surprising clean, making it very suitable for regeneration by Aquafil into ECONYL® yarn, a sustainable raw material used for the production of socks, carpets and swimwear.

During the 3 days, the team of 6 Dutch and Italian volunteer divers recovered over 4 tons (4000 kgs) of ghost nets at various locations around the Aeolian Islands. Fishermen aided the divers to pull the nets out of the water and also provided their boat. Awareness raising about ghost nets among fishing communities is one of the goals of the Healthy Seas initiative and we are extremely satisfied with this hands on cooperation.

The successful results of the mission are truly remarkable considering that no machines were used and that all the work was done by hand, including cutting and pulling of the nets. Back at the harbour, students from the local primary and secondary schools were waiting to meet the divers while taking part in an educational programme about ghost nets and circular economy.

The mission was carried out in cooperation with the Aeolian Islands Preservation Fund, the Blue Marine Foundation, the Ghost Fishing Foundation and exclusively sponsored by Aquafil.

Special thanks to Lipari Diving and La Gorgonia Diving Center.