Ghost gear – abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear – constitutes around 10% of the plastic waste that enters the world’s oceans and seas every year. A considerable percentage of floating macro-plastics come from ghost gear. This litter is dangerous because of its durability and buoyancy; it can persist in the environment for decades. Ghost nets trap, injure and kill marine animals and can also be a threat to divers, who are often unaware of the dangers of ghost gear.

Project Xibka by Maltese NGO Zibel aims to clear Malta’s coast and reefs of ghost nets and help the public report any discarded gear.

Esplora Interactive Science Centre, via its Island Guardians project funded by Remedies, is a proud sponsor of this project.

This summer, thanks to Esplora’s sponsorship, 33 dives took place in 25 days, during which 37 nets and 18 cages were collected from the Maltese waters. A big well done to the Zibel tribe, as they like to call themselves!

Photos by Michele Agius