Exorcising the Black Sea’s Silent Killers (BlackNETs) project aims to quantify and reduce the impact of ghost gear in Black Sea Basin and highlights urgent need for coordinated action.
A comprehensive survey conducted across Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, and Türkiye has revealed alarming levels of abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), commonly known as ghost nets, in the Black Sea.
The survey engaged fishermen, ship crews, port authorities, divers, and environmental experts to assess the prevalence, causes, and impacts of ALDFG. Main findings include:
- 79% of respondents consider ghost nets a moderate or serious problem in their area
- 88% reported no port facilities for the collection of derelict fishing gear
- Strong currents, rough weather, and gear entanglement are the top causes of gear loss
- Plastic marine litter, particularly bags, bottles, and food wrappers, is encountered frequently during fishing operations
- Ghost nets continue to trap fish, marine mammals, seabirds, and endangered species, causing long-term ecological damage
- Despite the severity of the issue, 85% of respondents reported being unaware of any existing programs targeting ghost net removal
The survey revealed strong readiness among fishermen to engage in corrective action:
- 92% expressed willingness to participate in “fishing for litter” initiatives
- Many respondents emphasized the need for financial incentives, onshore waste facilities, training, and clear procedures to support their participation
- However, 76% of ports lack basic marine litter collection infrastructure, significantly limiting the potential for systematic waste management.
Until the end of December 2025, the project will implement pilot activities to recover a minimum of 8,000 kilograms of ghost gear, promote gear recycling, raise awareness among fishing communities, and develop sustainable long-term strategies to reduce ALDFG.
Given the Black Sea’s limited water exchange and vulnerability to pollution accumulation, the survey findings highlight the necessity of coordinated regional action. Strengthening port infrastructure, enhancing monitoring, and supporting fishermen with tools and incentives are essential steps toward a cleaner and more resilient Black Sea.
In order to reach the regional survey reports in English, Romanian, Turkish, Bulgarian and Georgian languages please see below:
BSB00164_BlackNETs_Regional_Survey_on_ALDFG_BG
BSB00164_BlackNETs_Regional_Survey_on_ALDFG_EN
BSB00164_BlackNETs_Regional_Survey_on_ALDFG_GE