I'm deeply saddened and driven to action by the devastation caused each year by 'ghost gear,' lost or abandoned fishing nets. These nets ruthlessly claim the lives of hundreds of thousands of marine animals and birds, turning our beautiful seas into dangerous traps.

According to World Animal Protection, over 640,000 tonnes of ghost gear is left in our oceans each year. This equates to one truckload every minute, becoming the most harmful form of marine debris for animals. It's not only a disaster for marine life but also a significant threat to our marine ecosystems and human livelihoods dependent on the environment's health.

In response to this pressing issue, we must urge our lawmakers to implement regulations that mandate all commercial fishing boats to report when they lose nets at sea. This transparency will allow for faster response and recovery, significantly reducing the risks associated with ghost gear. It's time to turn the tides on ghost gear and prioritize ocean health and marine life.

Please join me in urging for this critical and life-saving change. Sign this petition for the sake of our marine life, our oceans, and the planet.