Huge ghost net no snag for Warruwi

BY DAVID SHOOBRIDGE

Some months ago, Mardbalk Marine Rangers, operating out of Warruwi, located a huge drift net on the western side of North Goulburn Island.

The ghost net, which stretched at least 200 metres across a reef, presumably came from a commercial fishing vessel, however its loss has not been reported as required under commercial fishing regulations.

The size of the net meant a coordinated effort would be needed to remove it. To leave the net where it lay was not an option. As well as presenting a hazard to navigation, the net was slowly destroying the reef and nearby marine habitat while continuing to trap large volumes of fish and marine animals.

Its retrieval, over the weekend of 7-8 November, provided a true example of local agencies working together to resolve a common problem.

Assisted by Water Police divers, who drove in from Darwin, a group comprising volunteers from Mardbalk Rangers, NT Police, West Arnhem Regional Council and Yagbani Aboriginal Corporation spent two days at the reef working together to remove the net.

The ghost net had to be laboriously cut away from the reef by divers before being hauled section by section to the surface. As the net was removed, the remains of at least two dolphins and one sea turtle were discovered. It then took a tow of at least six hours to Billabong Beach, the closest shore on South Goulburn Island.

Here a large Council loader dragged the net up from the beach. Mardbalk Senior Ranger James Marrawal said rangers would examine the net for any marks or numbers that might allow police to identify the offending vessel and possibly lay charges.

“The exercise represented the value of local people and local organisations working closely together to overcome a common problem and achieve a positive result,” Mr Marrawal told The Wire.

Senior Sergeant Paul Faustmann of the Water Police agreed.

“This is an excellent example of cooperation between Water Police, our colleagues at Warruwi and lndigenous Sea Rangers to protect our marine environment and ensure navigation safety.”

Inquiries are continuing to establish the owner of the net and members of the public who may have information to assist the investigation are encouraged to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A West Arnhem Regional Council loader operator drags the net up the beach.