Unveiling the Hidden Threat: Ghost Gear's Impact on Our Oceans
In the serene waters off the coast of Maine, a sinister presence lurks beneath the surface. These are not mythical sea monsters, but rather a very real and dangerous phenomenon known as "ghost gear." Emma Weed, a dedicated program manager from Boothbay, is leading a valiant effort to tackle this hidden menace.
Ghost gear refers to abandoned fishing traps, nets, and equipment that have been lost or left derelict in the ocean. These seemingly harmless objects can grow into formidable obstacles, much like a cartoon snowball transforming into a menacing giant. Emma describes it as a "sea monster" that devours everything in its path, from ropes to traps, creating a tangled mess that can weigh up to an astonishing 56,000 pounds.
"It's a real-life horror story," Emma explains. "These ghost gear balls can drag active gear into their grasp, hindering fishing operations and polluting our waters."
But here's where it gets controversial... While some may argue that ghost gear is an inevitable consequence of fishing, the impact it has on marine life and the fishing industry cannot be ignored. Emma and her team at the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation (GOMLF) are determined to change that narrative.
"Our mission is to collaborate with fishermen and address this problem head-on," Emma says. "We want to identify the issues and find solutions together."
The statistics are eye-opening. According to the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWFN), at least 10% of marine litter is fishing waste. Each year, an estimated 5.7% of fishing nets, 8.6% of traps, and a staggering 29% of fishing lines are lost worldwide. This equates to between 500,000 and 1 million tons of fishing gear entering our oceans annually.
Devyn Campbell, a fisherman from Boothbay Harbor, has seen the impact firsthand. "It's not just about the lost gear; it's about the trouble it causes," he says. "Many people don't realize that the synthetic materials break down into microplastics, polluting our waters and marine life."
Campbell has been a key player in ghost gear removal for years, working closely with GOMLF since 2025. He, along with about 40 other fishermen, is part of the Gear Grab program, which facilitates the cleanup of gear from the seafloor, coastlines, and even homes.
"We remove derelict equipment and dispose of it responsibly," Campbell explains. "If the gear is still usable, we try to return it to its owners."
The work is funded by a combination of philanthropic organizations, private donors, and grants. GOMLF collaborates with a network of organizations across New England, working alongside NOAA, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR).
The program operates during the late fall and early spring, a time when fishermen are typically less active. "It's a win-win situation," Campbell says. "We get to keep our boats moving, and we're doing something beneficial for the environment and our industry."
Campbell and his crew have made significant progress, cleaning up areas like Spruce Point and Southport. Even fishermen not directly involved in the project contribute by providing tips and coordinates.
"Fishermen are our eyes and ears on the water," Emma says. "We want to compensate them for their knowledge and expertise."
For Emma, this project is deeply personal. Coming from a long line of Stonington-area fishermen and waterfront workers, she understands the importance of giving back to the community.
"I want to showcase fishermen as the stewards of the ocean that they are," she says. "Together, we can make a difference and ensure a sustainable future for our oceans."
As we uncover the hidden threats of ghost gear, it's clear that collaboration and community involvement are key to finding solutions. So, what do you think? Is ghost gear hunting the answer to protecting our oceans? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
