Minimizing the Impact of Ghost Gears to Conserve the Biodiversity of Gulf of Mannar through Community-Centric Collective Approach

Minimizing the Impact of Ghost Gears to Conserve the Biodiversity of Gulf of Mannar through Community-Centric Collective Approach – Rameshwaram island – 2023-2025

Launched in June 2023 with UNDP- SGP supported initiative focuses on reducing ghost gear pollution along the Ramanathapuram coast, particularly in the Rameswaram island.  The main objective is to minimize the harmful impact of ghost gear through a community-driven approach.

Key actions include:

• Assessment on the sources and impact of lost and abandoned fishing gear

• Capacity building for fishers and stakeholders on gear loss prevention and its management

• Ghost gear clean-up drives involving fisheries across coast, sea, and islands

• Upcycling of ghost gear to turn waste into livelihood products for women SHGs

• Encourage active Involvement of boat owner's fisherman associations in cleanup and recovery

• Stakeholder workshops and a voluntary code of practice to encourage collective responsibility

• Development of knowledge products to support education and future planning

Major achievements so far

• Over 300 hectares of critical coastal and marine habitat — from Dhanushkodi to Vedalai in the Gulf of Mannar and Olaikuda to North Vedalai in Palk Bay — were actively restored and protected through community-driven actions.

• More than 16.2 metric tons of marine debris was cleared, including 12.9 metric tons of deadly ghost nets, giving marine species a fighting chance.

• A force of 559 dedicated volunteers — including 453 men and 106 women — united across 28 fishermen associations and 100 boat owner groups, taking ownership of their seas by actively minimizing ghost gear pollution.

• 28 fishermen associations and 100 boat owner groups evolved into guardians of the sea, consistently practicing and promoting responsible ghost gear disposal.

• Local heroes like the Kalanjiyam Volunteer Group made headlines by rescuing 10 sea turtles and a dolphin trapped in ghost nets — living proof of what community action can achieve.

• From the docks to decision tables, 28 fishermen associations and 100 boat owners became loud voices for sustainable fisheries — championing better practices, safer ecosystems, and smarter gear management.

• 651 fishers — 328 men and 323 women — underwent hands-on training to master sustainable fishing techniques and conservation literacy.

• A visionary group of 123 fisherwomen learned to turn ghost gear into gold, crafting high-demand eco-products like Foot mats,  wall hangings, dream catchers,Tea coasters,  laptop mats, stylish bags

• Four passionate women leaders — now Master Trainers who light the path for new women entrepreneurs, anchoring a new wave of empowerment and circular economy in their communities.

This project showcases how strong community participation and innovative solutions can tackle marine pollution and protect coastal livelihoods