DP World turns ghost nets into sunglasses to save Sea of Marmara
Global port operator recycles 800 kg of abandoned fishing nets into custom-designed eyewear with GPS coordinates
A global logistics company has teamed up with a Turkish conservation group to tackle marine pollution by transforming abandoned fishing nets into sunglasses. The initiative, led by DP World and Türkiye’s Marine Life Conservation Society, targets “ghost nets” in the Sea of Marmara, which threaten marine ecosystems long after being discarded.
Ghost nets, lost or abandoned fishing gear, can persist underwater for up to 200 years, continuing to trap and kill marine life. Sharks, sea turtles, and smaller organisms often fall victim to these nets, which drift unseen in ocean currents. The project aims to remove over 1,000 square metres of such nets from the seabed around the Princes’ Islands, equivalent to 800 kilograms of material, more than the weight of a small car.
The recovery process relies on a mix of technology, local knowledge, and sea charts to locate the nets. Once identified, the team carefully retrieves them, documenting each net’s weight, size, and exact location. Most recoveries take place in deeper waters around Istanbul and the Princes’ Islands, with some nets found as deep as 55 metres. During one operation, the team discovered three ray egg cases entangled in the nets, which were immediately returned to the sea.
The hidden danger beneath the waves: DP World
After retrieval, the nets undergo a transformation. They are processed into recycled plastic granules and molded into custom-designed sunglasses. Each pair carries a unique detail: the coordinates and depth where the original net was found are stamped inside the frames, linking the product back to its underwater origin.
The project extends beyond sunglasses. DP World is also collaborating with SUSAKO, a women’s cooperative focused on sustainable art, to host workshops where participants can turn ghost-net plastic into jewelry. This effort not only repurposes waste but also promotes economic opportunities for women. Additionally, the initiative includes outreach to fishing communities to raise awareness about the risks of lost gear and the importance of responsible disposal.
A new purpose for discarded nets
Nicholas Mazzei, DP World’s Vice President of Sustainability for Europe, described the project as a way to “make the idea of reuse very real.” He added that the location stamps inside the sunglasses create a tangible connection to the waters where the nets were recovered.
Volkan Narcı, Chairman of the Marine Life Conservation Society, emphasized the role of private-sector partnerships in conservation. “Protecting our seas requires collaboration,” he said, noting that the initiative allows for a “greater and more lasting impact” on the health of the Sea of Marmara.
The effort aligns with DP World’s broader “Source to Sea” approach, which focuses on restoring water ecosystems, enhancing carbon sinks, and supporting biodiversity in regions where the company operates.
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