Deep within the crystal-clear waters of Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago, a silent threat endangers the vibrant marine ecosystem. Ghost nets—discarded fishing gear lost or abandoned at sea—entangle and kill countless marine creatures, from majestic whales to delicate coral formations.
Anuar Abdullah, the dedicated founder of Ocean Quest, leads a team of volunteers on a mission to reclaim the reefs from these deadly remnants. Equipped with diving gear and sheer determination, they descend to the ocean floor to cut and remove the entangled nets from the corals.
“We still have crystal clear waters, but that needs to be preserved,” Anuar emphasizes. “If they are damaged, we will be left with nothing.” In just three days, the team has recovered 510 kilograms of ghost nets, a testament to both the scale of the problem and the impact that committed individuals can have.
According to World Animal Protection, approximately 640,000 tons of ghost nets haunt the oceans annually. These nets trap an estimated 136,000 whales, dolphins, seals, and turtles each year, not to mention innumerable other marine species. The efforts of Anuar and his volunteers are crucial steps toward mitigating this global issue.
Their work not only frees trapped animals but also allows damaged coral reefs to heal and thrive once more. By removing ghost nets, they are restoring balance to the marine environment and safeguarding it for future generations.
The Mergui Archipelago, with its diverse marine life and unspoiled beauty, is a treasure worth protecting. The initiative taken by Ocean Quest serves as an inspiring example for conservationists and communities worldwide, highlighting the impact of grassroots action in the fight against ocean pollution.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
