Washington, D.C.—On Thursday, June 6, a crew from the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation (GOMLF) and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI)—helmed by D.C.-based nonprofit Ocean Conservancy as of earlier this year—will remove an estimated 5,000 pound ball of lost and abandoned fishing gear (also known as “ghost gear”) that has accumulated in the Gulf of Maine. This project builds on the success of last year’s removal effort led by GOMLF, World Animal Protection and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative.

GOMLF works closely with fishermen within the Gulf of Maine on derelict fishing gear prevention and recovery. The GGGI is the world’s premier, cross-sectoral alliance committed to driving solutions to the problem of lost and abandoned fishing gear in our marine environment; Ocean Conservancy assumed leadership of the GGGI in 2019. The Gulf of Maine project is funded by 11th Hour Racing, which establishes strategic partnerships within the sailing and maritime communities to advance solutions and practices that protect and restore the health of the ocean. Based in Newport, RI, 11th Hour Racing is intimately familiar with the threat that ghost gear poses to coastal ecosystems and communities, and recognizes the importance and urgency of collaborative efforts to mitigate this global issue.

“Lost or abandoned fishing gear is the deadliest form of marine debris because it is specifically designed to trap and kill,” said Nicholas Mallos, director of Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas® program. “And because the majority of fishing gear is made of plastic and other synthetic materials, once lost it lingers in the environment and continues to indiscriminately capture fish and other marine wildlife for years to come. This ‘ghost fishing’ impacts marine habitats and the fishers and coastal economies that depend on a healthy ocean.”

­­“We are excited this project is bringing many dedicated parties together for the common goal of cleaning up our ocean,” said GOMLF Executive Director Erin Pelletier. “Fishermen make a living on the water and are stewards at heart. While lost gear is an unfortunate reality of providing fresh seafood, fishermen are eager to find solutions and want to do what they can to help recover lost gear.”

While scientists estimate that approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic enters the ocean from land every year, the amount of fishing gear remains largely unknown. Best estimates state that upwards of 800,000 tons of ghost gear is lost; however, emerging science suggests these inputs may be much higher.

Note to media: Limited spots are available on the boat; please contact Jordana Merran at [email protected] if interested in traveling with the crew. Additional photo and video opportunities will follow the gear removal.

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About the Global Ghost Gear Initiative

Launched in September 2015 and founded on the best available science and technology, the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) is the first global collective impact alliance dedicated to tackling the problem of ghost fishing gear at a global scale. The GGGI’s strength lies in the diversity of its participants, including fishing industry, private sector, academia, governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. Every participant has a critical role to play to mitigate the effects of ghost gear locally, regionally and globally. Learn more at www.ghostgear.org.

About Ocean Conservancy

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

About the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation

Through collaboration with fishermen, scientists, educators, and communities, the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation is dedicated to protecting and sustaining a healthy lobster fishery and marine environment. Learn more at http://www.gomlf.org

About 11th Hour Racing

11th Hour Racing establishes strategic partnerships within the sailing and maritime communities to promote collaborative, systemic change benefitting the health of our ocean – one degree at a time. Inspired by and furthering the mission of The Schmidt Family Foundation, 11th Hour Racing embraces sponsorships, grantees, and ambassadors who integrate sustainability into their values and operations while educating, innovating and inspiring people with the critical message of ocean stewardship. Learn more at www.11thhourracing.org