Sri Vijaya Puram, July 23: The Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, removed around 600 kg of abandoned fishing nets from the Fish Landing Centre at Junglighat on Tuesday as part of a ghost net removal drive aimed at reducing marine pollution and protecting aquatic biodiversity.
The exercise formed part of the department’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable fisheries and improve the condition of marine habitats affected by discarded fishing gear. Officials said abandoned or lost fishing nets, commonly known as ghost nets, continue to trap and kill marine species long after they are discarded, posing a persistent threat to the marine ecosystem.
According to the Department of Fisheries, ghost nets endanger fish, turtles, dolphins and other marine organisms by continuing to entangle them in the sea. Besides causing damage to marine life, the abandoned gear contributes to plastic pollution, harms coastal habitats and creates navigational hazards for fishing vessels operating in coastal waters.
The department said the timely removal of ghost nets is essential to conserving marine biodiversity and maintaining a clean and safe fishing environment. The drive focused on clearing discarded fishing gear from the Junglighat Fish Landing Centre to prevent further environmental degradation and improve sanitation at the facility.
During the campaign, fishermen were sensitised about the environmental impact of abandoned fishing gear and advised against disposing of damaged nets at sea or near fish landing centres. The department urged fishermen to adopt responsible fishing practices and use designated collection points for the scientific disposal of damaged or unusable fishing nets.
Officials stressed that proper disposal of worn-out fishing gear is critical for ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine fisheries resources. They said preventing ghost nets from entering the marine environment remains a key step in protecting fisheries and preserving coastal ecosystems.
The drive was coordinated by Hemanto Kirtonia, In-charge of the Fish Landing Centre, Junglighat, with the participation of officials and staff of the Department of Fisheries, members of the fishing community and representatives of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council. Approximately 600 kg of abandoned and discarded fishing nets were collected from the Fish Landing Centre premises and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
The Department of Fisheries said it will continue implementing measures to support sustainable fisheries management, improve sanitation at fish landing centres and conserve the marine resources of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It also appealed to fishermen, fish traders and other stakeholders to participate in similar conservation initiatives and adopt environmentally responsible fishing practices to help safeguard marine biodiversity for future generations.
