In August 2021 Splash247 reported on a new effort against so called ghost nets, the thousands of square metres of abandoned fishing gear that harm marine life and can leave ships without power when nets wrap around a propeller.
Eyesea as the reporting channel
The Extraction Action Alliance (TEAA) planned to gather help from ocean users such as crews, fishermen, sailors, and divers. Ahead of manufacturing dedicated GPS tags, TEAA asked people to photograph any fishing gear they encountered at sea and upload the image through georeferencing apps such as Eyesea and Open Litter Map, giving the alliance both imagery and location.
A four month trial was planned in the Mediterranean, with a rapid response crew and an onboard drone heading directly to reported locations, and a global rollout intended for 2022.
Why it matters to shipping
Lloyd’s of London was cross referencing claims data with ghost nets, and insurers regularly report expensive downtime when a net fouls a propeller. A stranded vessel in a shipping lane without power risks serious damage through collision.
Source
- Splash247, 27 August 2021. Reports the TEAA plan and Eyesea’s role in it.
