Can you help with a new survey to map the distribution of lost and abandoned fishing gear or ‘Ghost fishing gear’ on the Island and wider Solent region? We need your help!
In partnership with Natural England, The Common Space are conducting an Island and Solent-wide survey to understand the distribution of lost and abandoned fishing equipment or ‘ghost fishing’ gear found in and along our coastlines.
This will help us understand its impact on coastal wildlife and habitats. Communities of coastal users are being asked to record anything they spot via a simple app.
Complete the survey
Ghost Fishing
Ghost Fishing is the term for the continued impact on marine life from lost, discarded and abandoned fishing gear.
Nets, ropes, traps, pots, lines and hooks on our coastlines and in marine waters can cause habitat abrasion, and trap, entangle and kill marine wildlife from fish to seabirds.
Bad weather, high winds and storms, can make the problem worse.
The Isle of Wight Biosphere and Solent’s waters are home to the extraordinary but fragile set of habitats and species including Peacock’s tail, Stalked jellyfish, Short-snouted seahorses, maerl, seagrass and a host of seabirds, but all are sensitive to these pressures and can be slow to recover.
Challenges for wildlife and hazards in the marine environment
Caitlin Napleton, Marine and Coastal Higher Officer at Natural England’s Thames Solent Team explains,
“We hope you can help us understand the distribution of lost and abandoned fishing gear on the Isle of Wight and across the wider Solent area. Lost fishing gear can impact marine ecology, with smothering, abrasion, trapping wildlife and spreading invasive species.
“As well as challenges for wildlife and hazards in the marine environment, it can present a safety hazard for people using the coast and compete with sustainable fishing practices in the area.
“This survey by The Common Space supports research being undertaken by Natural England and will map lost and abandoned fishing gear in order to understand the local extent and distribution of its impact, taking the first steps towards the removal of these items where possible.”
Cowling: It’s quick and easy to upload your finds
Daneen Cowling, Director at The Common Space said,
“Whether you’re fishing, working, walking, beach-cleaning, sailing or fossil-hunting on the coastline, it’s quick and easy to upload your finds to our survey and help map distribution.
“We’re receiving survey reports already from coastal users everywhere and the information is invaluable.
“We are hoping to get as wide of a reach as possible to build a comprehensive dataset so please do share the survey with your network and on your social media if you can.
“You’ll be helping provide the necessary first step to inform the sustainable removal of these items where possible and the recovery of Island and Solent habitats and species.”
Article edit
2.45pm 3rd Dec 2025 – “lost and” added to headline
News shared by Claire on behalf of The Common Space. Ed
