Ghost Farms:
Unveiling the Impact of Abandoned Fish Farms on Marine Ecosystems and Communities
Abandoned fish farms, also known as 'ghost farms', are aquaculture sites left to decay in the sea after they are abandoned or no longer in use. These once-productive facilities become environmental hazards as their structures deteriorate and release debris, plastic, and pollutants into the surrounding waters . This pollution disrupts marine ecosystems, causing harm to underwater flora and fauna, and creating hazardous conditions for marine life through "ghost fishing"—where abandoned equipment continues to entangle and kill sea creatures. The environmental degradation extends to habitat destruction and affects the local economy by impacting coastal communities, fisheries and tourism. Since 2019, Healthy Seas has focused on addressing this critical issue, having initiated major cleanup operations in Greece in 2021 and 2022
. In 2024, we launched a larger-scale operation called Ghost Farms: Reclaiming Waters targeting multiple sites across the western region of Greece. Our approach involves mapping abandoned fish farms, collaborating with stakeholders, and engaging in extensive cleanup efforts to restore these marine environments. All collected waste from these massive clean-ups is recycled either locally or, in the case of fish farming nets, through our founding partner Aquafil. Aquafil employs an innovative recycling process that transforms nylon waste—including these nets—into new, high-quality nylon for a range of products. By tackling ghost farms, we aim to rejuvenate local ecosystems, support affected communities, and raise awareness of the broader environmental impact.
Main Impacts of Ghost Farms
- Ecological Impact: Abandoned fish farms become hotspots for environmental degradation. The structures, cages, and equipment left behind often deteriorate, releasing debris, plastic, and pollutants into the surrounding waters. This pollution disrupts the delicate balance of marine life, affecting the health of underwater flora and fauna.
- Ghost Fishing: The abandoned structures can also become traps for marine life, continuing to ensnare fish, turtles, and other sea creatures even after they’re no longer operational. This perpetuates a phenomenon known as “ghost fishing,” where marine animals get caught in these abandoned nets or structures and die, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- Habitat Degradation: The presence of these derelict structures alters the natural habitats and can damage the seabed, hindering the natural regeneration and growth of marine ecosystems. This alteration further threatens the biodiversity of the Mediterranean’s coastal areas.
- Economic and Social Impact: Abandoned fish farms can impact local economies and communities dependent on healthy marine environments. Reduced fish populations, contaminated waters, and altered habitats can disrupt livelihoods reliant on fishing and tourism, affecting the socio-economic fabric of coastal regions.
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Our Main Clean-ups of Ghost Farms and Results
Ghost Farm Clean-up 2024
Patras, Island of Ithaka and Menidi - Western Greece
Clean-up above and underwater in three sites: Patras, Ithaka (the deeper part of the fish farm) and Menidi.
Various school education activities with the European Outdoor Education Hub.
Various activities in Universities of Western Greece with students of agriculture and aquaculture.
To be continued in October with one more site....
Various school education activities with the European Outdoor Education Hub.
Various activities in Universities of Western Greece with students of agriculture and aquaculture.
To be continued in October with one more site....
Ghost Farm Clean-up 2022
Island of Ithaka, Greece
Clean-up above and underwater on the island of Ithaka.
Education activities in schools and awareness raising events.
An award winning documentary.
Education activities in schools and awareness raising events.
An award winning documentary.
Ghost Farm Clean-up 2021
Island of Ithaka, Greece
Additional Resources
Latest News on Ghost Farms
Wrapping Up Ghost Farms Operation 2024: Empowering Future Generations Through Education
25 November 2024
Ghost Farms Webinar Recap – A First Step Towards Understanding and Action
20 November 2024
The Healthy Seas Foundation and Partners Collect 50 Containers of Marine Litter in Six Days in Final 2024 Operation Ghost Farms Clean-Up
5 November 2024
