Marine Life & Conservation
Ghost Fishing UK remove over 180 kilos of deadly lost fishing gear from Sussex seabed
Almost 200Kg of lost fishing gear known as ‘Ghost Gear’ has been recovered from the seabed by volunteer divers from the charity Ghost Fishing UK, in a collaborative project with Sussex Wildlife Trust.
The charity Ghost Fishing UK responded this week to reports from scuba divers in the Brighton area to locate and survey lost fishing nets on the shipwreck of the Pentyrch, before making a plan to remove it.
Lost or abandoned fishing gear is problematic in our oceans, with an estimated 640,000 tonnes lost into the sea globally each year.
The lost nets and pots known as ‘Ghost Gear’ continue fishing non-stop. The catch is never landed and the trapped animals act as bait for others, in a non-stop cycle of wasteful deaths known as ‘Ghost Fishing’.
The team brought the net back on board the diving vessel Channel Diver operating from Brighton Marina and the net will now be stored for recycling.
Despite covid-19 restrictions, the team underwent daily testing and diligent hygiene in order to carry out the mission.
This was the second mission the team of volunteers had undertaken in the Sussex region this year following plentiful reports by scuba divers of lost nets fouling the wrecks in the area, causing a hazard not just to them, but the wildlife along the Sussex coastline.
Working in 18 metres of water, the visibility was good and the divers have so far this season been able to recover 275 Kg of lost nets in just three dives.
Trustee and underwater photographer for the charity Christine Grosart said:
“The team were delighted to be asked to join up with Sussex Wildlife Trust’s ‘Wild Coast Sussex’ project. It was great to have them on the boat so that they could see what goes on at the sharp end of our charity, removing ghost gear from the sea and it was great to finally start cleaning up the Sussex region where we had not been before this spring.”
Wild Coast Sussex was set up to inspire local communities to care for the marine environment and enable them to protect their coast and sea.
As part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, working with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) and Brighton SEA LIFE, the project aims to:
- Inspire and connect people to the Sussex coast and sea
- Engage people in direct action to protect the Sussex coast and sea
- Enable learning and activities that encourage people to make positive lifestyle choices and behaviour change to reduce negative impacts on the Sussex Coast and sea
- Empower people to share experience and influence others to protect the Sussex coast and sea
Ghost Fishing UK were invited to get involved owing to their extensive experience training divers to survey and safely recover lost fishing gear, which is found via their online reporting system that is open to both fishermen and divers.
Nikki Hills, project manager for Wild Coast Sussex joined the team on board Channel Diver this week. She told us:
“It was fantastic to join the Ghost Fishing UK team on a trip to recover ghost nets off the Sussex Coast and see first-hand the dedicated work of the divers and the amount of net they managed to remove.
Removing this net is so important because if left, it can trap precious marine wildlife and add to plastic in the sea. The Wild Coast Sussex Project is really pleased to support the work of Ghost Fishing UK and it’s great to have them in Sussex.”
The SS Pentyrch was a cargo steam ship, torpedoed in 1918. Plenty of the wreckage can still be seen protruding from the sandy seabed. Unfortunately, these protrusions snag on fishing nets and can cause them to break away. They then continue to fish until they can be removed.
Miss Grosart said “We are very grateful for the reports from divers about these nets. We are also very keen to work with the fishing industry to get these unfortunate losses, which are not deliberate, back out of the sea. We would urge fishermen to tell us if they have lost any pots or nets so that we can see if it is possible for us to remove and then recycle them, or in some cases return them, keeping them out of the ocean forever.
We are soon launching a reporting system dedicated for fishermen so that they can report losses to us in confidence.”
Ghost Fishing UK also works with the key organisations involved in the project, such as Seasearch and the SeaLife Trust and are available to give talks to schools and interested parties about the work they are doing to raise awareness of the issues affecting our oceans.
You can see more about the work of Ghost Fishing UK on this BBC feature here:
For more information visit their website by clicking here.
All image credits: Ghost Fishing UK
Marine Life & Conservation
Raising Awareness for Scuttle the Cuttle – A Global First in Tackling Microplastic Pollution
Addressing the global crisis of ocean plastic pollution, a new innovation is turning the tide—by placing real-world environmental action in the hands of children. Scuttle the Cuttle, a microplastic-collecting tool designed specifically for young users, has been launched as a practical and inspiring way to involve families in beach cleanups.
Crafted entirely from recycled ocean plastic, Scuttle is a cuttlefish-shaped combination of bucket and sieve. Its engaging design, sustainability credentials, and focus on education make it more than just a toy—it’s a tool for change.
Designed for Impact
Scuttle’s core purpose is to help remove microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5mm—from beaches. With a mesh size of 2.8mm, Scuttle can collect small plastic fragments and nurdles before they degrade further. This addresses a critical but often overlooked part of the plastic pollution problem.
Built for Young Eco-Heroes
Scuttle is ergonomically designed for both children and adults. Lightweight, durable, and easy to carry, it allows even the youngest users to contribute meaningfully to beach cleanups. Its approachable design turns environmental action into a fun and empowering activity for children and families.
Circular by Design
From production to end-of-life, Scuttle reflects a strong commitment to the circular economy. Made from 100% recycled ocean plastic and fully recyclable, it is manufactured with long-term use in mind. The product not only removes waste from the environment but also repurposes existing waste in its construction, reducing environmental impact across its lifecycle.
Community and Collaboration
In addition to its environmental function, Scuttle is part of a broader movement to build awareness and encourage local partnerships. It supports responsible sourcing, local collaborations, and community-driven conservation efforts.
Scuttle is now available for purchase and is positioned as the first product of its kind focused specifically on the collection of microplastics through kid-friendly, hands-on cleanup.
For more information about Scuttle the Cuttle, visit odysseyinnovation.com/pages/scuttle.
Marine Life & Conservation
I.CARE, SSI Blue Oceans, and Mares Team Up to Remove Over 36,000 Pounds of Debris from the Florida Keys
The 3rd Annual I.CARE Trash Derby has come to a successful close, delivering a powerful message of community-driven conservation. In partnership with SSI Blue Oceans, Mares, and several other industry leaders, I.CARE once again led an inspiring grassroots effort to restore and protect the marine environment of the Florida Keys.
This year’s Trash Derby broke records, drawing support from more than 900 participants—including divers, boaters, and conservation advocates—who collectively removed an impressive 36,459 pounds of marine debris. Over a two-day period, teams worked on land, along shorelines, and at reef sites both above and below the water, making a meaningful contribution to the region’s ecological health.
“I am so proud of everyone involved in last week’s I.CARE Trash Derby,” said Mike Goldberg, Co-Founder of I.CARE. “This level of success comes from the passion and hard work of hundreds of people who care about our oceans, reefs, and local communities. I’m filled with gratitude.”
Recognizing Top Contributors: From Trash to Triumph
The event featured competition across three categories—Land & Shore, Private Boat, and Dive Operator—awarding teams based on the amount of debris collected per person. Additional special recognitions included the most monofilament retrieved and the most unusual item found. Congratulations to the standout teams of 2025:
Land & Shore Division:
Tired of Tires – 1,128.75 lbs/person
DerSno – 930.7 lbs/person
KnotaYacht – 124.2 lbs/person
Private Boat Division:
Triple Crown – 1,076.83 lbs/person
Fisherman & the Mermaid – 735.95 lbs/person
Dumpster Diving Divas – 572.875 lbs/person
Dive Operator Division:
Quiescence Diving – 430.6 lbs/person (average)
Key Dives – 141.3 lbs/person (average)
Captain’s Corner – 83.2 lbs/person (average)
Special Awards:
Most Monofilament Collected: Conch Republic Divers (26.8 lbs)
Most Unique Item Found: Bilge Buddies
Celebrating Conservation with Community and Education
The weekend concluded with the Trash Derby Festival at Founders Park in Islamorada. Attendees enjoyed live music, food, and sustainability-focused vendors, all centered around marine conservation. The festival also provided opportunities to connect with environmental organizations and celebrate the participants’ achievements.
“The energy and dedication from everyone involved was incredible,” said Rachael Steidley, SSI’s North America Marketing Manager. “This event goes beyond collecting trash—it’s about building a movement and inspiring conservation on a global scale.”
Looking Ahead to 2026: Raising the Bar
Plans are already underway for the 4th Annual I.CARE Trash Derby, with organizers calling on dive pros, boaters, and ocean advocates to help set an even bigger record next year.
To get involved or learn more about how you or your dive shop can participate in 2026, visit www.icaretrashderby.com or contact I.CARE at info@icareaboutcoral.org.
Let’s keep making waves for the planet—one pound at a time.
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