Abandoned fishing gear left in the sea and on beaches is threatening marine life, according to Clean Planet UK.

Diver Stephen Smith reported that volunteers removed two tonnes of “ghost” fishing nets, lines, and ropes from the waters between Hartlepool and Saltburn last year.

Crustaceans and fish become entangled in the gear, which can also damage coral reefs.

Smith’s team is also collecting abandoned lobster pots, which trap and kill marine life.

“Last year we recovered a record amount of lost fishing gear and recycled about two tonnes,” he said.

“People need to take a bit more responsibility when visiting beaches, we see it every summer, they leave all their rubbish which may not seem a lot to them, but it causes havoc to marine life.”

Lost in storms, these pots continue to pose significant risks to crustaceans.

Clean Planet UK highlights the urgent need to address this issue to protect marine ecosystems from further harm.

 

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