When talking about ocean pollution, the usual image is of plastics on the shore. However, beneath the surface lies a less visible and more persistent problem. It involves abandoned fishing nets that become trapped in reefs and seabeds.
These ghost nets, made from high-strength nylon, can remain for centuries without degrading. During that time, they continue to catch fish, damage corals, and alter entire ecosystems. Therefore, their environmental impact extends far beyond the initial abandonment.
Moreover, removing them is neither simple nor quick. Each operation requires professional divers, complex logistics, and several days of continuous work. Even so, the ecological urgency has spurred new responses.
Sea Cleaning and Joint Work with Fishermen
In this context, Gravity Wave emerges, an initiative born in Spain that combines marine recovery and circular economy. From the port of Motril, in southern Spain, a collaboration network began. Over time, the project expanded to Italy and Greece.
Currently, more than 7,000 fishermen in 150 ports actively participate in the collection of nets and plastics. Thanks to them, materials that were once returned to the sea now enter a recycling circuit. In this way, the fishing sector becomes part of the solution.
However, many nets remain on the seabed. To recover them, specialized diving teams conduct prolonged dives and high-risk maneuvers. These actions allow for the rescue of tons of waste trapped for years.
Salobreña and the Recovery of a Protected Area
A key example was the Salobreña Mission, carried out off the coast of Salobreña. At 30 meters deep, nets from an abandoned fish farm covered the seabed. The area is also protected by European environmental regulations.
Over five days, 32 divers and several boats managed to remove nearly 5,000 kilos of plastic. The operation returned oxygen and space to a damaged ecosystem. Thus, the restoration began to be visible even underwater.
From the Seafloor to New Sustainable Products
Once recovered, the nets are processed in recycling plants, such as those located on the outskirts of Valencia. There they are transformed into pellets and plastic panels. These materials are then turned into furniture, industrial pieces, and decorative items.
This comprehensive control of the process ensures traceability and certifies the environmental impact. Additionally, the use of digital technology reinforces the transparency of each action. Thus, marine waste gains a second useful life.
Recycling with Environmental and Social Benefits
The main benefit is the direct reduction of waste in the ocean and the protection of sensitive marine habitats. At the same time, it reduces the pressure on reefs and wildlife. Each net removed prevents years of continuous damage.
On the other hand, the initiative generates employment, strengthens local economies, and promotes a culture of shared responsibility. Finally, it demonstrates that protecting the ocean can also be a productive and sustainable opportunity.
