Tons of 'Ghost Net' Removed from Sea Off Turkish Coast

In a significant environmental operation, a colossal "ghost net," weighing several tons and large enough to envelop Istanbul's Çamlıca Tower, has been removed from the waters off Marmara Island. This hazardous fishing gear had posed a deadly trap for marine life and threatened the marine ecosystem for years.

The discovery and subsequent removal were facilitated by the "Mavi Atlas" mobile application. Launched 10 months ago through a partnership between the Sea Life Protection Association and the General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the app allows citizens to report sightings of marine life and hazards like ghost nets. This citizen-science initiative aims to scientifically document Turkey's marine biodiversity and bolster conservation efforts.

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The commission concluded that A. Visockas violated the Law on Harmonization of Public and Private Interests.

The operation to remove the net involved a dedicated team, including professional divers, the association's chairman Volkan Narcı, and volunteers. Equipped with lifting balloons, cutting gear, underwater imaging systems, and safety equipment, the team navigated challenging weather conditions, including strong winds and rain, to reach the net's location. Initial reconnaissance using an underwater camera revealed the net entangled in rocky areas and crevices on the seabed, making it an almost invisible hazard.

During the underwater operation, divers found numerous marine creatures trapped in the net. Live animals were carefully rescued and released back into their natural habitat. This successful removal highlights the critical role of citizen reporting and collaborative efforts between NGOs and government bodies in protecting Turkey's marine environment from persistent threats like abandoned fishing gear.

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The commission's assessment is that such a relationship between individuals creates a conflict of interest, and A. Visockas should have declared these circumstances, and in a situation where a decision needed to be made, should have recused himself.