The problem of ghost fishing gear is long-standing. It is an unfortunate aspect of fishing that nets, pots, and lines can and do get lost. It is important to note that is rarely an intentional action by the fishing community but rather a reality of the challenging conditions in which they work. The lost gear continues to catch marine life, which has an undoubted but poorly documented effect on the local and global marine ecosystem. As a citizen science project, Ghost Fishing UK is focused on collecting data and removing this lost fishing gear for recycling in the UK.

- Environment. Improving the marine environment by locating and safely removing lost fishing gear, ensuring any trapped life is returned to its natural habitat. - Evidence. We gather data, images and video, recording everything the charity does. We also collect evidence regarding lost fishing gear's impact on the marine environment. - Education. Using our data, we work with NGOs, schools, the fishing industry and academic organisations to educate invested parties. We can locate and remove lost gear using our unique diver and fishing community reporting system.