465 items of Ghost Gear Located across Koh Phangan & Koh Tao
4.5+ tons
Over 4.5 tons of Ghost Gear removed
14,346m²
14,346 m2 of marine habitat cleared of Ghost Gear
130+
Over 130 hundred volunteers have participated with us in total
Our mission
Our aim is to restore and protect marine coastal ecosystems.
We use a targeted system for the detection and removal of Abandoned, Lost or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) through aerial drone surveys and machine learning.
We are dedicated to empower coastal communities through capacity building initiatives and fostering meaningful engagement in marine conservation.
What is the Issue?
35,000,000 tons of plastic waste
Globally, 35 million tons of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems each year, 10% of which is ALDFG.
1,000 years to biodegrade
ALDFG is particularly harmful, persisting in the environment for 1000 years. It has the capacity to entangle marine wildlife and destroy marine habitats. ALDFG is a major contributor to the loss of up to 30% of some fish populations. Furthermore, it is responsible for ~ 650,000 marine mammals deaths annually, posing severe threats to marine biodiversity.
Long-Term Damage
Coupled with climate change impacts, ALDFG causes long-term damage, especially to shallow marine ecosystems.
Impacting Livelihoods
In regions reliant on artisanal fishing and tourism, ALDFG profoundly impacts local communities. The reduction in fish populations undermines food security and economic stability, while the degradation of marine habitats diminishes the appeal of these regions to tourists, further impacting local livelihoods.
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We use advanced aerial monitoring, machine learning technologies, and ecological modelling; coupled with action by local recovery and recycling teams, marine conservation organisations and dive centres, to restore coastal marine environments and remove ALDFG. This method causes little to no disturbance and allows us to collect important data on gear that can cause damage to the marine environment and wildlife.
“We know troublingly little about the true extent of lost fishing gear in our oceans.”
get involved
Help in the fight against ghost gear.
Join us in protecting our oceans and restoring marine life. Your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or partnerships—makes a lasting impact on coastal ecosystems. Together, we can create a cleaner, safer future for our oceans.