Deep beneath the ocean’s surface lie the remains of up to a million tons of fishing nets. Known as “ghost nets”, these lost and discarded nets continue to kill indiscriminately, ensnaring and suffocating millions of marine animals every year. Dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales, as well as millions of fish, birds, and turtles die as a result of these deadly traps.
Since the 1960s, fishing nets have been made from synthetic materials that take 600 years to decompose. As illegal dumping contributes to increasing numbers of ghost nets, the ocean is serving as a cheap landfill. Initiatives around the world are working to address this catastrophic issue, salvaging and recycling these nets. The documentary reveals the social, economic, and environmental impact of ghost nets and follows the efforts of those trying to make a difference.
