Hidden ‘ghost net’ crisis revealed in Mangrove Photography Awards

The 2026 Mangrove Photography Awards have highlighted a pressing environmental issue through the winning image by marine biologist and photographer Gaurav Patil. His work depicts an abandoned fishing net, commonly called a ghost net, tangled in a mangrove forest near Mumbai. Patil used ultraviolet light to capture the net glowing against the coastal trees, a choice intended to bring visibility to the debris that chokes these vital ecosystems.

Ghost nets are a widespread threat to marine environments. They break down into microplastics and remain in the water for years, disrupting wildlife and damaging the natural barriers mangroves provide against shoreline erosion. Experts estimate that 500,000 to 1 million tons of fishing gear are abandoned in the ocean annually. The damage is significant, as over half of the world's mangrove ecosystems are currently at risk of collapse by 2050.

Beyond the winning entry, the competition showcased the importance of mangroves for biodiversity and human livelihoods. Other winning photos document the wildlife that finds refuge in these forests, including jungle cat kittens and sea turtles. These images underscore the necessity of protecting coastal zones from threats like development and industrial pollution.

Conservation efforts featured in the awards emphasize the need for natural restoration. Researchers note that mass planting projects often fail and that re-establishing the natural water flow into degraded areas is more effective for long-term health. The event received over 5,000 submissions this year, which indicates a growing public interest in climate resilience and the protection of these essential habitats.