Ghost nets threaten Tioman Island's marine ecosystem

Ghost nets, lost or abandoned fishing nets, pose a severe threat to Tioman Island's marine ecosystem. A local NGO's volunteers retrieved 145 ghost nets, weighing 21 metric tons, from 2016-2022. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a spike in ghost nets due to increased fishing by unskilled individuals. The nets damage coral reefs, entangle wildlife, and release harmful gases when they decompose. The study calls for better enforcement against illegal fishing, regulation of net sales, and convenient disposal methods for worn-out nets to protect the marine environment and local livelihoods dependent on tourism. (Mongabay)