Reclaiming Waters: An Interview with Veronika Mikos on Ghost Farms, Ep.17

We're diving into the murky waters of ghost farms with Veronika Mikos, the director of Healthy Seas. Ghost farms, a relatively unknown, but significant, threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities, are the focus of this insightful conversation. Veronika guides us through the intricacies of what ghost farms are, where they are typically found, and their impact on communities, marine life, and ocean pollution.

What Are Ghost Farms?

Ghost farms refer to abandoned aquaculture or fish farming sites, often left to deteriorate in coastal waters. These sites become environmental hazards, polluting the ocean with debris, and affecting marine ecosystems. The presence of decaying structures, abandoned nets, and other industrial waste can harm wildlife and disrupt local communities' livelihoods.

The Impact on Marine Life and Ocean Pollution

Veronika discusses the numerous ways in which ghost farms impact marine life. Abandoned nets and other structures can entangle sea creatures, causing injury or death. Moreover, the decaying materials from these sites contribute to ocean pollution, affecting the broader marine ecosystem and leading to cascading effects on the food chain.

Organizing a Cleanup

Veronika shares how Healthy Seas organizes cleanups of ghost farms. The process involves complex logistics, including securing funding, gathering a skilled team, and obtaining legal information. The cleanups aim to remove debris and restore the natural environment, ensuring that the sea can begin to heal from the damage caused by these abandoned sites.

A Growing Problem with Limited Knowledge

The episode also highlights the limited knowledge about ghost farms' full impact. Veronika notes that, despite being a growing problem, there's a lack of comprehensive studies and data on the extent of the issue. This lack of information poses challenges for those working to address the problem, emphasizing the need for more research and awareness.

New Operation: Ghost Farms - Reclaiming Waters

One of the exciting announcements in this episode is the upcoming "Ghost Farms - Reclaiming Waters" operation. Starting in May, this initiative will focus on cleaning up ghost farms in Western Greece and educational activities with universities and schools. The operation is set to continue throughout the year, aiming to make a significant impact on the affected areas.

Tune in to learn more about ghost farms, the work being done to reclaim our waters, and how you can get involved in supporting these efforts. Don't forget to subscribe to the Healthy Seas podcast to stay updated on the latest news and episodes!

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Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.