Our Mission

We aim to protect and restore Ireland's unique marine ecosystem by removing lost or abandoned fishing gear from the seas, which continues to hunt long after being discarded. These nets pose a deadly threat to marine life and cause lasting damage to our reefs and seafloors. We are dedicated to conserving our coastlines and waters so that future generations have the opportunity to love, appreciate and explore the beauty of Irelands waters. Through expert recovery and community action, we are turning the tide on marine debris.

How We Work

In the water:

Our recovery operations are conducted exclusively by specialist divers who have completed the SDI Ghost Net Recovery Course, ensuring the gear is removed safely without further damage to the seabed.

On the shore:

Our beach clean up initiatives are open to everyone. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life to help us protect our local shorelines and keep our beaches pristine.

What is ghost gear?

Ghost gear refers to any fishing net or pot that has been abandoned, lost or discarded in the ocean. They are often made of durable plastics, these items will continue to trap and kill marine life indefinitely, acting as a persistent and invisible danger to our delicate ecosystems.

The Impact on Our Oceans

Reef Damage:

Lost nets frequently get caught on reefs, directly damaging or killing both the coral and the fish that depend on them.

The "Cycle of Death":

When fish and mammals are trapped in a net, they eventually die, causing the net to sink to the seabed. As the trapped carcasses decay, the net becomes lighter and more bouyant, eventually rising towards the surface to begin the cycle of death all over again.

Climate and Life:

Our oceans are vital to the planet, they regulate our climate and support life on Earth by providing a major source of food, oxygen and economic resources.

Our Approach to Recovery

Retrieving these hazards requires a specialised, coordinated effort. Ghost gear recovery teams are composed of highly trained diver teams supported by a surface boat. These divers work as a team to safely retrieve discarded nets and pots from the seabed and reefs to stop the cycle of destruction.

Meet The Equiptment

At the heart of our recovery operations is the Ocean Voyager, a high performance 8.5m XS Rib powered by a 300hp engine. This vessel is specifically chosen for its stability and performance in challenging Irish waters, providing the reliable surface boat support essential for every mission

At 8.5 meters, Ocean voyager offers a spacious and stable platform for coordinating dive teams and managing heavy recovered gear.

The 300hp engine ensures we can effectively move between sites to maximise the impact of our missions.

Working Together for cleaner Irish Seas

At Ghost Nets ireland, we believe that the challenge of marine plastic and abandoned or lost fishing gear is too big for any one group to tckle alone. We are commited to building a network of like minded partners. From local volunteers and communities and sustainable fishermen to ethical businesses, We want to work together to protect our costal ecosystem.