What are ghost nets?
Q: What are ghost nets?
A: Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been lost or have been left behind by fishermen and continue to float in the sea or become attached to other structures.
Q: Why are ghost nets a problem?
A: Ghost nets are a problem because they continue to capture fish and other animals, causing them to die from starvation or other causes. Additionally, because they are often made of plastic, they take a long time to decay and may release toxic substances.
Q: What is the large pile of plastic floating in the Pacific Ocean?
A: The large pile of plastic floating in the Pacific Ocean, first discovered in 1997, was initially believed to consist of plastic pieces thrown away by ordinary people. In 2018, scientists discovered it was mostly made up of lost fishing nets and other fishing tools from large fishing boats.
Q: Why do ghost nets continue to catch fish and other animals?
A: Ghost nets continue to catch fish and other animals because they are designed to do so, and they do not stop working when they have been lost or abandoned.
Q: What happens to animals caught in ghost nets?
A: Animals caught in ghost nets may die from starvation, suffocation, or other causes.
Q: Why do ghost nets pose a danger to the ocean ecosystem?
A: Ghost nets pose a danger to the ocean ecosystem because they can continue to capture and kill animals, disrupting the food chain and damaging marine habitats. Additionally, the release of toxic substances during decay may harm other marine life.
Q: What are ghost nets made of?
A: Ghost nets are often made of plastic, which takes a long time to decay and may release toxic substances.
