Ghost Fishing
Last evening’s talk was both depressing and inspirational. Rob Wilson, president of Ghost Fishing NZ, (seen on the right next to Rob Wilson) described the activities of this entirely voluntary organisation, which tries to clean up the seabed.
Originally the focus was on lost or discarded fishing gear - nets, longlines, fish traps and the like. These things, now made mainly of synthetic and rot-proof materials, can continue to catch and kill fish and other marine life for years- hence the name ghost fishing.
Ghost Fishing is part of an international network which removes this harmful stuff and disposes of it. Volunteer scuba divers and free-divers do the work, usually on ‘clean-up days’ assisted by others onshore.
Wellington Harbour is also a dumping ground for other kinds of harmful rubbish, in incredible variety. Supermarket trolleys, scooters, traffic cones, bottles and so on litter the seabed. They affect the sediment and starve it of oxygen, harming fish stocks.
Sometimes, however, it is better to leave rubbish in place rather than disturb the habitat any further. The divers have developed criteria for making these decisions.
Ghost Fishing enjoys strong recognition and support from the community: it was judged ‘Wellingtonian of the Year’ in 2017. Sadly, despite their efforts to educate people out of using the sea as a rubbish dump, it seems their work will go on forever.
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What's On: Mākara Emergency Response Practice
Mākara Emergency Response Practice
- Mākara Model School
Wellington Better Home and Living Show opens next Friday!
Enjoy fresh, practical solutions for the home, garden and better living at the Wellington Better Home & Living Show opening next Friday! There’ll be kitchens, builders, double glazing, spas, heating, flooring, homewares, landscaping, delicious food and more. All you need under one roof the 10th to 12th of May at Sky Stadium.
Join the fun with the Neighbourly 2 for 1 Adult Ticket Offer.
There are so many fabulous reasons to visit the show with a huge range of exhibitors to improve your homes, lifestyles and outdoors. Join Resident Builder Peter Wolfkamp on Saturday at the show for his free Ask an Expert session, enjoy a delicious range of artisan foods, get creative with the kids at Resene Paint a Pot on Saturday and Sunday and lots more!
Save the date in your diaries: 10 - 12 May at the Wellington Better Home and Living Show
Fri & Sat 10 – 5, Sun 10 – 4
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Adults $5
Gold Card Friday $2.50
Under 16 free
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