The Challenge
The marine ecosystems face a silent yet destructive threat: the accumulation of marine litter, heavily dominated by “ghost nets”—fishing gear (such as nets, longlines, and traps) that have been lost, abandoned, or discarded at sea. These ghost nets, combined with single-use plastics, aluminum cans, glass bottles, and discarded consumer waste on the seabed, create an ongoing environmental crisis. They continuously trap, suffocate, and kill fish and marine mammals for years, while slowly degrading into toxic microplastics that poison the marine food web. This critical issue is further worsened by a lack of broad public awareness regarding the long-term impact of both commercial fishing debris and everyday litter on local fish populations and coastal health.
The Solution
This project directly tackles underwater habitat degradation by designing and executing targeted ghost net retrieval operations in high-priority marine areas of Leros. By clearing these deadly traps from the seabed, the initiative immediately protects marine biodiversity and helps restore local fish populations.
In close coordination with local fishermen, divers, and community members, the project combines hands-on environmental restoration with community outreach, fostering a deep sense of shared responsibility and local pride in safeguarding Leros’ precious marine heritage.
Activities
With the support of the Cyclades Preservation Fund, Dive in Actions has:
- Conducted an on-site underwater inspection to identify and map priority marine hot-spots where ghost nets accumulate around Leros.
- Organized and executed specialized underwater cleanups with certified divers to safely retrieve lost fishing gear and other litter from the seabed.
- Engaged and connected with the local community, particularly traditional fishermen and youth, to build active networks for marine protection.
About the Grantees
The environmental organization Dive In Action, based in Santorini, is dedicated to protecting and conserving the natural underwater landscape of the Thera province, with a special focus on the unique and sensitive formations of the volcanic caldera. In addition to its efforts in Santorini, the organization actively participates in projects across 23 other islands.
Dive In Action employs research, data collection, and systematic analysis as its primary tools for monitoring and preserving the seabed’s health and biodiversity.
What You Can Do
- Report any sightings of abandoned fishing gear or ghost nets to local authorities or marine conservation groups.
- Support your local artisanal fishermen who use responsible, eco-conscious fishing practices.
- Make a donation to the Cyclades Preservation Fund to make more impactful, community-led initiatives like this possible across the Cyclades and the Aegean.
- Contact us if similar challenges take place in your island.
SDGs
CPF’s grants support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This grant specifically supports:
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – The project directly removes hazardous marine debris, protecting underwater habitats and restoring marine biodiversity.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – By addressing abandoned fishing gear and engaging the local fishing community, the project promotes more sustainable marine practices.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The initiative strengthens the preservation of Leros’ natural marine heritage and safeguards the economic future of its coastal community
