Operation Ghostnets: 30 "ghost nets" recovered between Augusta and Syracuse

ISPRA saves flora and fauna

60,000 square meters of seabed inspected, hundreds finally freed from nets up to 260 meters long which are once again breathing and repopulating; free protected species that were trapped
As many as 60,000 square meters of seabed inspected, over 30 ghost nets up to 260 meters long (approximately equal to a 100-storey skyscraper) recovered at a depth of 40-60 meters and hundreds of square meters of seabed finally freed: it is the result of the “Ghostnets” operation conducted by ISPRA along the Sicilian coast, between Augusta and Syracuse. The intervention, part of the project MER (Marine Ecosystem Restoration) financed by the Pnrr, was carried out with the support of the RTC Ghostnets (CASTALIA, CONISMA and MAREVIVO) and allowed the recovery of various types of nets: trawl, gillnet, tangle of ropes, lines and pots and to free trapped protected species. “With this operation, hundreds of square meters of valuable habitats will gradually be able to “breathe” again and encourage recolonization by the surrounding marine species.