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Ghost Nets

Ghost Nets Recovery Operations

Recovering Marine Debris from Remote Coastlines

Ghost nets often travel thousands of kilometres before washing ashore along remote northern coastlines. These nets accumulate in mangrove systems, reefs, and beaches where they continue to damage marine ecosystems and threaten wildlife.

The Ghost Nets Recovery Program being investigated by Sustainable Indigenous Systems Global Pty Ltd (SIS Global) and Narukai Pty Ltd focuses on developing coordinated recovery operations across key locations in Northern Australia.

Initial investigation and engagement work has been focused on Groote Eylandt and surrounding coastal areas in the Gulf of Carpentaria, where ghost nets regularly accumulate due to regional ocean current patterns.

Recovery operations being explored include:

• Coastal survey and monitoring programs
• Ghost net collection and removal activities
• Marine debris mapping and environmental monitoring
• Safe transport and handling systems for recovered materials
• Integration with Indigenous ranger and environmental programs

By coordinating these activities, the program aims to build a structured recovery network capable of operating across remote coastal regions.

Circular Manufacturing & Recycling Facility

Turning Marine Waste into Sustainable Materials

One of the major challenges with ghost nets is that they are made from extremely durable synthetic plastics designed to withstand harsh marine environments.

While this durability contributes to environmental damage when nets are lost, it also creates an opportunity to recover and repurpose these materials through circular manufacturing technologies.

SIS Global and Narukai are investigating the development of regional recycling and material recovery systems capable of processing ghost nets and other marine plastics.

A key component of this investigation includes collaboration with Circular Seed WA.

Learn more: https://circularseed.com.au/

Circular Seed WA specialises in modular circular economy technologies designed to recover and repurpose complex waste streams, including plastics. Their systems are engineered to operate in regional and remote environments, making them well suited for Northern Australian conditions.

Potential outcomes of circular processing systems include the production of:

  • Recycled plastic infrastructure materials
  • Construction products such as pavers and benches
  • Community infrastructure components
  • Manufacturing feedstock for sustainable products

These systems aim to reduce waste transport costs, support local manufacturing capability, and create circular economy opportunities in regional Australia.

Groote Eylandt Indigenous Employment Program

Creating Long-Term Economic Opportunities

A core objective of the Ghost Nets Recovery and Circular Economy Program is to ensure that environmental restoration initiatives deliver long-term benefits for Indigenous communities.

Groote Eylandt and surrounding coastal communities present an opportunity to develop a model that combines environmental protection with local employment, skills development, and enterprise creation.

Working with Indigenous organisations and partners, the program is exploring pathways to support:

  • Indigenous ranger participation in ghost net recovery programs
  • Training in environmental monitoring and coastal management
  • Waste recovery and recycling operations
  • Community-based circular manufacturing opportunities
  • Indigenous business participation through Supply Nation partnerships

By supporting Indigenous participation at every stage of the recovery and recycling process, the program aims to create a sustainable model where environmental protection and community development go hand in hand.

Building a Scalable National Model

The combined initiatives — ghost net recovery, circular recycling systems, and Indigenous employment pathways — are designed to create a scalable program that can expand across Northern Australia.

The long-term vision is to establish a coordinated system capable of supporting coastal regions including:

  • Northern Territory coastlines
  • Gulf of Carpentaria communities
  • Torres Strait and Cape York
  • Remote coastal regions across Northern Australia

By combining Indigenous leadership, environmental stewardship, and modern recycling technologies, this initiative aims to deliver a long-term solution to one of Australia’s most persistent marine pollution challenges.