Chasing Ghosts: Evidence-Based Management of Abandoned Fishing Gear in the Eastern Mediterranean

The environmental problem of abandoned fishing gear (e.g., ghost nets) exists on a world scale. It impacts marine biodiversity for decades after the nets has become lost in the ocean. In Cyprus (eastern Mediterranean), ghost nets are found almost everywhere around the island, threatening marine life and human activities, such as scuba diving, fishing and navigation. To achieve meaningful outcomes for biodiversity conservation and the management of an offshore site that is particularly affected by ghost nets, the Jubilee Shoals, this issue is addressed in this study with an evidence-based approach. Pre-removal surveys were necessary to assess the nets and produce the environmental, ecological and structural data for the calculation of the Gear Removal Index (GRI). The results of a revised version of the index (GRI+) that includes species of conservation interest and invasive species were cross-checked in the field by divers with experience in marine ecology and similar removals. About 3 km of nets in total were successfully removed. The implementation of the GRI+ was an important proof-of-concept for environmental managers, aiding them to decide whether it would be necessary (or not) to perform removals and highlighting the index as a useful tool for the protection and management of Cyprus’ marine habitats.