Marine Pollution in Southeast Asia: Addressing the Menace of Abandoned Fishing Gear through Scuba Diver-Led Clean-Ups in Cambodia

Marine pollution is a pressing environmental crisis in Southeast Asia, a region rich in biodiversity yet increasingly burdened by human activities. One particularly harmful form of pollution is abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear—commonly referred to as "ghost gear." These remnants of the fishing industry, often made of durable plastic materials like nylon, can persist in the ocean for decades, causing severe harm to marine ecosystems.

Ghost Gear: A Hidden Threat in Southeast Asia In Southeast Asia, where fisheries are vital to the economy and food security, the problem of ghost gear is especially acute. Fishing nets, traps, and lines that are lost or intentionally discarded continue to trap marine life indiscriminately. This phenomenon, known as ghost fishing, kills countless fish, turtles, dolphins, and seabirds, disrupting the ecological balance and threatening endangered species. Ghost gear also damages sensitive marine habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. These habitats are not only biodiversity hotspots but also critical to coastal protection and carbon sequestration. When nets or lines entangle coral, they can break fragile structures, slow reef recovery, and introduce disease.

Cambodia’s Coastal Waters: A Case for Urgent Action Cambodia, with its picturesque coastline and islands in the Gulf of Thailand, is increasingly recognized as a destination for scuba divers and eco-tourists. However, its marine environment is not immune to the challenges faced by the wider region. The country’s relatively underregulated fishing industry and the rise in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing contribute to the accumulation of ghost gear along its shores and underwater ecosystems. While Cambodia’s environmental institutions have made some progress in marine conservation, enforcement and waste management infrastructure remain limited. This is where community-led initiatives, particularly involving the diving community, can make a transformative impact.

The Role of Scuba Divers in Ocean Clean-Ups Scuba divers are uniquely positioned to tackle underwater marine debris. Their access to deeper waters and technical training enable them to remove entangled nets and ropes that other volunteers cannot reach. In Cambodia, dive shops and eco-tourism operators have already begun organizing ocean clean-up events, often partnering with local NGOs and marine conservation groups. These clean-up dives typically involve identifying ghost gear hotspots, planning safe extraction routes, and working in teams to carefully cut away and remove debris. The collected waste is then sorted, weighed, and, when possible, recycled or properly disposed of on land. Some initiatives even track data on debris types and locations to inform future conservation strategies. Beyond the physical removal of ghost gear, divers also serve as vital advocates for ocean health. Through workshops, social media campaigns, and community outreach, they raise awareness among tourists, fishers, and local governments about the dangers of marine pollution and the importance of sustainable fishing practices.

Building a Sustainable Future For Cambodia and the broader Southeast Asian region to effectively address ghost gear pollution, a multi-pronged approach is essential. This includes: Policy development to regulate fishing gear use and disposal Enforcement of marine protection zones Investment in waste collection and recycling infrastructure Support for community-based conservation programs

Scuba divers, as stewards of the underwater world, can continue to play a pivotal role. By organizing clean-up events, reporting ghost gear, and engaging with local communities, they help restore marine habitats and promote sustainable tourism.

As awareness grows and collaborative efforts expand, Cambodia has the potential to become a regional leader in marine conservation, turning the tide against ghost gear pollution one dive at a time.