Ghosts that don’t scare, but fish:

I have this one volleyball coach who has a tremendous passion for fishing. Almost five times a month, he’ll go fishing. But when he goes fishing, he’s on the edge of a dock and throws his fishing line in, then catches his fish. The same can’t be said about other fishing companies. Unfortunately, fishing companies are not like my volleyball coach. These companies are on large shipping boats, and they’ll throw nets and equipment into the oceans. This is one of the most significant problems associated with ghost fishing. 

Ghost fishing occurs when there is no specific company associated with the fishers, allowing them to operate at their discretion. One example of this is the improper disposal of gear and nets. These ghost fishers can release them wherever they want, without concern, which is highly detrimental. 

These nets can kill animals through suffocation or even the consumption of improper materials. These improper materials can consist of polyester, plastic, and even rubber, all of which are harmful to marine life.  

The actual harm of this is that these synthetic fishing gears can break down into microplastics, which can harm animals. These harms may seem insignificant, but they can also harm humans. As animals consume microplastics, they disrupt the photosynthesis and respiration cycles. And if animals manage to disrupt it, it will also impact humans. 

But there are solutions—so don’t worry—it’s not the end of the world. Companies and beaches are implementing more trash cans and conducting beach cleanups. This ensures that everything is disposed of properly and nothing is discarded. Not only that, but companies that produce this gear add gear modification. These modifications enable these pieces of equipment to be biodegradable and easily recyclable. 

Ultimately, there are solutions to address these issues. However, we are the ones who can initiate this. So, as I always say, we are the cause, but we are also the change. 

Works cited

“Preventing Lost Gear and Ghost Fishing.” MSC International - English, www.msc.org/what-we-are-doing/preventing-lost-gear-and-ghost-fishing#:~:text=How%20can%20the%20impact%20of,panels%20to%20pots%20and%20traps. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025. 

Stopping Ghost Gear | Projects | WWF, www.worldwildlife.org/projects/stopping-ghost-gear. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.