A new nationwide initiative in Denmark is targeting the problem of Danish Ghost Nets, removing tens of thousands of abandoned fishing nets from coastal waters to fight marine pollution and protect sea life.
Removing Danish Ghost Nets for a Cleaner Marine Environment
Thousands of discarded fishing nets litter the seabed around Denmark, posing serious environmental hazards. These so-called “ghost nets” continue to trap marine life long after their purpose has expired, contributing not only to unnecessary animal deaths but also to the growing presence of microplastics in the oceans. These Danish ghost nets are a hidden danger that many people don’t see. It’s important we take action to protect marine animals and keep our oceans clean.
Recent estimates from the Technical University of Denmark suggest that up to 50,000 ghost nets and net fragments remain scattered across Danish waters. These nets, made of synthetic materials like nylon, break down slowly over time, releasing microplastic particles into the ecosystem. These particles are then consumed by marine life, working their way up the food chain and ultimately impacting human health. The problem is bigger than most people realise.
National Project Targets Marine Waste
To address this longstanding problem, a wide-reaching cleanup initiative has launched across Denmark, supported by the Codan Foundation. In collaboration with Ocean Plastic Forum, the Danish Confederation of Sports Divers, and the environmental organization North Nature, the initiative aims to locate and remove ghost nets from the seafloor.
As part of the project, the Codan Foundation has financed the production of 1,000 specially designed buoys. These buoys will be distributed to volunteers in 84 diving clubs throughout Denmark. When Danish ghost nets are located, divers will mark their coordinates using the buoys, signaling their location to professional dive teams for safe removal.
Collaboration Across Sectors
The cleanup effort brings together a mix of public and private organizations in a shared mission to address marine pollution. Ocean Plastic Forum, a coalition of more than 30 businesses and environmental organizations, provides logistical guidance on removal strategies. Meanwhile, the Danish Confederation of Sports Divers offers the boots-on-the-ground workforce, training volunteers to identify and mark ghost nets accurately.
This project marks a significant expansion of existing efforts to fight ocean plastics in Denmark, moving from local or regional pilots to a nationwide operation.
Tangible Environmental and Educational Impact
The environmental impact of ghost nets extends beyond lost marine life. Because these nets degrade into microplastics, they threaten the broader marine ecosystem, including fish, crustaceans, and seabird populations. Cleaning them up is vital for maintaining biodiversity and improving water quality.
The initiative is also designed to educate the public. This past June, the organizations behind the initiative hosted the first of two planned “Øresund Days” — public events held near the Øresund Strait to showcase live demonstrations of ghost net removal and raise awareness about marine pollution. Attendees engaged with divers and ocean experts and learned how proper disposal and reduced plastic use can make a difference. A second Øresund Day is scheduled for this fall.
A Model for Marine Sustainability
Backed by corporate funding and community involvement, the initiative demonstrates how coordinated national efforts can tackle marine waste at scale. The Codan Foundation, which has championed several water safety and environmental projects in recent years, sees this project as an extension of its preventive mission to protect both people and the environment.
With cleanup efforts already underway and buoy distribution moving swiftly, the initiative is expected to make a measurable difference in the health of Denmark’s marine biodiversity. By the end of the year, thousands of marked ghost nets are projected to be retrieved and removed.
Continuing Initiatives
This cleanup project adds to a series of environmental and public safety actions spearheaded by the Codan Foundation. Earlier this summer, the foundation completed the installation of 278 rescue boards at beaches and coastal areas across Denmark to boost water safety. Additionally, it has initiated public education campaigns highlighting the importance of swimming safety and drowning prevention.
As Denmark continues to address both plastic pollution and water safety, this ghost net removal campaign reflects a broader effort to preserve marine resources and raise environmental awareness among citizens, ensuring safer and cleaner waters for future generations.
