Filenews 28 January 2022
A large volume of nets, ropes and hooks accumulated due to the prolonged rough seas of the last few days, were removed from a breeding shelter (sea cave) of the Mediterranean monk seal, by the Monitoring Team of the species, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
The Team, after identifying the hazardous materials, immediately mobilized to remove them, as there was a serious risk of trapping for both adult seals and their newborns, which are inexperienced in avoiding such risks.
'Ghost nets', refer to all types of fishing gear, including nets, ropes, traps, etc., which are no longer actively managed by fishermen and have been abandoned, lost or discarded at sea, on beaches or in ports.
Every year, this equipment is responsible for trapping and killing a significant number of marine animals, such as turtles, seals, dolphins, whales, fish as well as seabirds. They can also cause further damage, such as damage to vessels and other marine equipment.
This marine litter is a global environmental problem as it poses a threat not only to the health of the seas and coasts but also to marine ecosystems and organisms.
