How Ghost Nets Harm Humpback Whales and What 4ocean is Doing to Help

Ghost nets pose a serious threat to marine life like humpback whales. These abandoned fishing nets continue to trap and endanger animals long after being discarded at sea. Through its partnership with 4ocean, you can help remove ghost nets from oceans while supporting humpback whale conservation. Here's a closer look at the issue and what's being done.

The Dangers of Ghost Nets

Commercial fishing nets that get lost or intentionally dumped in oceans become "ghost nets" - traps that continue to catch marine life indefinitely. Weighing up to 10,000 pounds, ghost nets can prove fatal as whales and other large animals become entangled. Unable to surface for air, many drown under the weight of trapped nets. The nets also restrict mobility, making it harder for trapped animals to eat or avoid predators.

Humpback Whales at High Risk

Humpback whales are among the species most vulnerable to ghost net entanglement due to their habitat and feeding behaviors. Spending time near the water surface, they frequently cross paths with abandoned nets. Their large size and body structure also makes them more likely to become tangled in netting. This threatens humpback whale populations that have only recently recovered from whaling activities in prior centuries.

4ocean's Conservation Efforts

As a leader in ocean cleanup and conservation, 4ocean works to remove ghost nets and reduce plastic pollution in seas. Through its popular bracelet program, the company funds net removal teams that patrol beaches and dive to untangle trapped marine life. By purchasing a 4ocean bracelet featuring humpback whales or ghost nets, you directly support this important work while getting an attractive accessory. From now through December 12th, the ghost net bracelet also comes with 50% off a second humpback whale bracelet, doubling your impact.

Keywords: humpbackwhales, ghostnet, plasticpoll, 4ocean, marine conservation, whale entanglement

Meta Description: Learn how ghost nets endanger humpback whales and what 4ocean is doing to remove these toxic 'nets of death' from oceans through its popular bracelet program supporting marine conservation.

FAQs

Q: How many whales are killed by ghost nets each year?

A: It's difficult to determine exact numbers, but scientists estimate hundreds of large whales die annually due to ghost net entanglements.

Q: What other animals are at risk from ghost nets?

A: In addition to whales, ghost nets threaten turtles, sharks, seals, seabirds and fish. Any marine life that crosses paths with these abandoned nets faces entanglement.

Q: How can I help support 4ocean's ghost net removal efforts?

A: Purchase a ghost net or humpback whale bracelet from 4ocean to fund net retrieval teams working to clean up oceans. You'll feel good knowing your bracelet is helping to solve this problem and protect whales.

Q: Are there any other ways I can help reduce ghost net pollution?

A: You can also spread awareness about this issue on social media using hashtags like #ghostnet and #noplasticseas. Contact your local officials to support bans on intentional net dumping. Properly dispose of fishing gear to prevent it from becoming a new ghost net.