Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been lost accidentally, deliberately discarded, or simply abandoned at sea. They travel the oceans of the world with the currents and tides continually fishing as they progress through the waters. As they are unattended and roaming, they fish indiscriminately, not only catching threatened species but undersized and protected fish as well.

Information on ghost nets can be sent to the Carpentaria Gulf Ghost Net Programme. Collect the length and width (in metres) of any net you come across, if you haven't got a tape measure then measure it by pacing it out. If it is really tangled you can estimate the size (note E for estimate on the data sheet).

If you find any animals in the net: If they are alive try and release them and include photos with your data.

Photo left: A Pormpuraaw Ranger pulling net of beach.

Photo right: courtesy and copyright to Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation / photo by Djawa Yunupingu, Director Dhimurru Aboriginal Corp.

If the nets are too large to be removed by volunteers try and drag them well above the high tide mark to prevent them washing back in the ocean.

A sample of the net can be posted to:

Riki Gunn - Project Coordinator
PO Box 155, Karumba, Qld 4891
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Ph: 07 47459661
Website: www.ghostnets.com.au