Standing behind small microscopes on Belyounech beach, in Fnideq, northern Morocco, children spent World Oceans Day learning about the wonders of our marine ecosystems and why they need to be taken care of. They were eagerly waiting for the highlight of the day. A team of scientists and local divers was at work on the seabed, retrieving ghost gear: fishing nets that were abandoned, lost or discarded at sea. When the two fishing boats supporting the operation returned to shore carrying two retrieved nets, the excitement grew. The children clapped in awe as the nets were displayed on the beach.

Local fisher working with the diving team to bring the retrieved nets on shore ©FAO-GFCM/Claudia Amico

The activity was carried out as part of the Global Environment Facility-funded FishEBM Mediterranean project, implemented by the GFCM.