Fighting Ghost Nets with Animal Rights Advocate Malte Zierden
Uniting for Animal Rights and Ocean Conservation: Bracenet Joins the Fight Against Ghost Nets.
In a world where oceans face a multitude of environmental threats, ghost nets represent one of the most insidious dangers. These lost or abandoned fishing nets drift aimlessly underwater, trapping marine life in their grip. But what if we could free the seas from these threats and restore the balance of life below the surface? That’s exactly what we set out to do on a recent mission with Malte Zierden, an influencer and passionate animal rights advocate, and his friend and fellow influencer Brodersen, as well as our partners Ghost Diving Adriatic and Bracenet. The mission brought us to the Adriatic Sea on a mission to clear its waters of ghost nets and to facilitate the regeneration of underwater life.
Teamwork and Action
The cleanup mission took us to a reef in the Adriatic Sea where the impact of ghost nets was visible and heartbreaking. We saw firsthand the destruction these nets cause, and we knew that it was up to us to remove them. Working alongside divers from GD Adriatic, we retrieved the gillnets. As we pulled the nets from the water, we encountered entangled marine life—fish and other creatures caught in the seemingly invisible net. But the most incredible moment of the mission came when we witnessed the birth of a shark. While pulling up one of the nets, we found a shark’s egg case attached to it. Just as we retrieved the net from the water, the young shark hatched from its egg case. This was a moment of pure magic for everyone involved. The shark now has a safer home, free from the threat of deadly ghost nets.
In total, we successfully removed 200 kg of ghost gillnets from the Adriatic Sea. Ghost gillnets are notorious for their silent, lingering danger. The term “curtain of death” is fitting, as they act like invisible traps that entangle anything that comes too close.
A Passion for Animal Protection and Ocean Conservation
Our collaboration with Malte Zierden was driven by a shared commitment to protecting animals and preserving our oceans. Malte’s dedication to animal rights and ocean conservation made him the perfect partner for this mission. Together with Broder, he actively participated in every step of the cleanup effort, whether in the water, helping on the boat, or assisting on the shore. Malte’s passion for creating a world free of marine litter and restoring endangered habitats was infectious. He truly believes in the power of action, and his support during the cleanup mission was helpful in raising awareness about the dangers of ghost nets and the importance of ocean conservation.
What Happens to the Ghost Nets We Recover?
The gillnets we retrieved will be sent to our partner Aquafil in Slovenia and added into the regeneration cycle to become ECONYL® yarn. Bracenet took the colorful ropes attached to the gillnets to give them as second life as special Bracelets.
Conclusion: A Sea Free of Ghost Nets, A Future Full of Life
This mission is just one step toward the larger goal of a world where our oceans are free from the menace of ghost nets. The Adriatic Sea is one of many places in need of attention, but with continued teamwork and the dedication of passionate individuals, we can make a difference. Together, we can create a world where seas are free from ghost nets, homes are without marine litter, and marine habitats flourish with life. It all starts with action—and we’re proud to be part of the solution.
