It is learnt that The Energy Research Institute (TERI) will shortly launch a pilot project to collect unused nets of local fishermen. The state reportedly has no mechanism for the collection of discarded nets at present. These nets are made of non-biodegradable material. These nets may be dumped on beaches, or sea shores which can create a navigational hazard for boats, or settle to the ocean floor and damage sensitive ecosystems. The life cycle of a fishing net is about a year. Bad weather conditions, catch overload, poor maintenance, and no access to disposal are all contributing factors. Ghost nets are the deadliest form of marine plastic as it catches wildlife, entangling marine mammals, seabirds, sea turtles, and sharks, subjecting them to a slow and painful death through exhaustion and suffocation. Ghost fishing nets also damage critical marine habitats such as coral reefs. Additionally, it’s responsible for undermining both the overall sustainability of fisheries as well as the people who depend on fish for food and livelihoods. It is understood that the material can be used to make surfboards.
