Ghost fishing nets are one of the ocean’s silent killers. They float under the surface, abandoned by boats, but still catching fish, turtles, whales, and even seabirds. Once tangled, many of these animals never make it out.
Now, Norway is doing something about it.
The country has launched a marine conservation project that uses underwater drones to track down and remove ghost nets from the ocean. These drones dive deep, scan the sea floor, and help locate nets that might otherwise never be found.
Once they’re spotted, trained divers or robotic arms work to safely remove the nets and bring them back to the surface. It’s high-tech cleanup with a real impact. This matters because ghost gear doesn’t break down quickly. It can drift for years, trapping marine life and damaging coral reefs.
By using drones, Norway is making the cleanup faster, safer, and more efficient than sending divers alone. It’s also helping researchers understand where these nets collect the most and how to prevent future loss. It’s a great example of using smart technology to solve an old problem – and protect the ocean in the process.
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