After witnessing first-hand the scale of the problem a group of enthusiasts set about creating Fathoms Free, a volunteer marine conservation organisation based in the South West of England.

With a global problem as diverse as Ghost Gear and marine debris, the remedies and collaborations required to overcome them need to be equally as diverse. We work with other organisations to help influence legislative and lifestyle changes and our group is made up of people from various backgrounds and organisations. Consequently, we have created a multi-faceted approach to our work, we undertake retrieval dives for both marine plastics and ghost gear, beach cleans, juvenile lobster releases, educational events and campaigning to increase public awareness to the plight of our seas.

In our latest project, we are using our boat to do underwater retrievals and beach cleans of otherwise inaccessible coves to recover ghost fishing gear and marine debris. We're working alongside World Animal Protection whose research revealed 640,000 tonnes of lost or discarded fishing gear pollutes our oceans every year, which can have serious implications for the welfare of marine animals, fisher safety, livelihoods and biodiversity. We also work with The Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust who identified 50 tonnes of ghost gear on the Cornish beaches over a year and rescued trapped seals, seabirds and other marine wildlife.

We are all volunteers and have been lucky enough to have had a boat sponsored by World Animal Protection. However we still need help to fund the logistical running costs of this essential project. We are seeking donations to cover boat and trailer running costs, fuel, retrieval equipment, parking fees and suchlike. Any size donation will make a real difference to us. Thank you all from Fathoms Free