The Ghosts of the Sea project works toward a cleaner marine environment by removing ghost nets from the Marine Nature Reserve Øresund. Through mapping, retrieval, and recycling of abandoned fishing gear, the project highlights the fragility of our oceans and encourages action.
Alongside these efforts, the project will produce a documentary series and a continuous communication campaign, offering the public insight into the project’s progress and the dedication of those involved. It will also spotlight other marine restoration initiatives making a positive impact across Denmark – helping more people discover what is usually hidden beneath the surface.
We need to act now
Our marine environment is under threat from pollution, climate change, and overexploitation. Ghost nets pollute the sea and can harm entire ecosystems. That’s why prevention and removal is crucial.
Local diving clubs take action against ghost nets in Øresund
The project relies heavily on the dedicated efforts of volunteer divers to identify and document ghost nets on shipwrecks in the Øresund. Read more about the invaluable contributions of the diving clubs below.
Dive into Ghosts of the Sea
Project Activities
Events
We host several free public events aimed at raising awareness about the marine environment in the Øresund.
For Divers
Are you participating in the project through your diving club? Find all the information you need right here.
Project Partners
Learn more about the team behind Ghosts of the Sea and our key project partners.
Ghost nets in numbers
The Scale of the Problem
%
Estimates from previous research suggest that ghost nets make up nearly 10% of all global marine debris.
More than 49,000 pieces of abandoned or lost fishing net are estimated to be scattered across the seafloor in Danish waters.
%
Preliminary research indicates that ghost nets are present on more than 50% of shipwrecks.
Limfjordsrådets Reporting Tool
Are you reporting a ghost net finding as part of your participation in Ghosts of the Sea through your diving club? Go directly to the Limfjordsrådets reporting tool here.
Project Milestones
Project Updates
Øresund Days 2025 – World Ocean Day
On Sunday, June 8, we kicked off Øresund Days 2025 with a splash, hosting events in Helsingør Harbour, Vedbæk Harbour and Amager Beach Park. Despite grey skies on the horizon, the day was filled with energy, curiosity, and a shared love for the sea. Activities...
Ghosts of the Sea: Conference about ghost nets in Danish waters
On Tuesday, May 27, Ocean Plastic Forum hosted the Ghosts of the Sea conference - a day dedicated to shedding light on the issue of lost fishing gear, commonly known as ghost nets, and exploring how we can work together to prevent, locate and remove them from Danish...
Ocean Plastic Forum receives million-funding to remove ghost nets in Øresund
With official project launch on the 1st of September, the project "Collection of Ghost Nets - and the Story of it - in the Marine Nature Reserve Øresund" is now up and running. In the project, the association, in collaboration with our partners, will register and...