The largest ghost net seen in many years, weighing in dry at around 1.5t has been retrieved from Ashmore Reef by Customs officers aboard the ‘Ashmore Guardian’.

The early discovery of the net meant that it was not able to do as much damage to marine life as it could have. Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) officers from Canberra and Darwin assisted with the operation.

Shortly after severe weather in the East Indian Ocean, the net drifted into the Ashmore Marine Park, snagging on the outer reef. Customs officers and crew onboard the 'Ashmore Guardian' were finally able to retrieve the net after several attempts to retrieve it were unsuccessful due to unfavourable weather and tidal conditions.

The ghost net was then deep buried at the Shoal Bay disposal facility.

AFMA Fisheries officer John Jones assisted in the operation by co-ordinating the retrieval, clearing and disposal of the net and said that the process went smoothly.

“Everyone involved in the recovery of the net did a fantastic job” he said.

Source: World Fishing & Aquaculture