This Visakhapatnam startup is tackling the menace of ghost nets in coastal Andhra Pradesh

Greenwaves Environmental Solutions is working on a project called ‘Ghost Gear Upcycling’ along with WWF India for upcycling fishing nets into bracelets, pouches, doormats and pots

In the waters of Bay of Bengal off Visakhapatnam coast, a ‘ghostly’ menace is threatening the existence of several marine species, some critically endangered. Ghost net is fishing gear which are lost, voluntarily abandoned or dumped at sea by fishermen. These inevitably go on to kill marine life for several years, making it the most deadly form of marine plastic debris.

With an aim to address this growing issue, Visakhapatnam-based Greenwaves Environmental Solutions is working on á project called ‘Ghost Gear Upcycling’ at coastal Andhra Pradesh along with WWF India. The project, initiated in Visakhapatnam in June 2021, upcycles these ghost nets to make products like bracelets, pouches, doormats and pots. “The concept of upcycling fish nets is aimed at reducing the impact of marine pollution and also provides alternative livelihoods for fisherwomen,” says Honey Seles, Greenwaves Marine Litter Project in-charge.