Ghost nets continue to threaten Sabah marine biodiversity, says conservation group

Marine Research Foundation (MRF) says abandoned “ghost nets” continue to threaten Sabah’s marine biodiversity, even as the group runs repeated cleanup operations at sites such as Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP). In a statement dated July 27, MRF reported a rapid underwater cleanup at two key dive locations within TARP that recovered several ghost nets, including a 150-meter-long piece. The group warned that the nets keep returning, describing cleanups as becoming “increasingly routine.” MRF said ghost gear has trapped and killed marine animals including sea turtles, sharks, rays and crabs. The organization and partners—working with Sabah Parks and Sabah Dive Rangers with support from GoAquatic—have collected over 3.9 tonnes of ghost nets and marine debris in TARP since 2021 and urged stronger measures to prevent gear loss.