Trap to treasure

Ghost nets found by Indigenous rangers are being recycled into beautiful works of art. Some of these intricately designed works are now the focus of museum exhibits, drawing attention to the extensive damage they cause in their original form when left to drift in our oceans.

By Peter Strachan

Cultural treasures: Ghost net turtle on display at the Australian Museum.

Crocodile sorceror by Elliot Koonutta

Ghost net art by Sid, Bruce, Joe and Mundna

Images supplied by the Australian Museum

The nets—some more than six kilometres long when abandoned or lost at sea—are known to trap and kill marine animals and birds. Those collected by rangers in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Torres Strait and on beaches, frequently require heavy lifting equipment to move them.

While some may come from Australian fishing boats, most of the ghost nets discovered in our northern waters are believed to originate from trawlers operating in the Arafura Sea and parts of south-east Asia. Some of the nets recovered are consistent with those generally used on large commercial vessels and others from small subsistence fishers. The nets frequently drift for thousands of kilometres on tides and currents and are most prevalent onshore after a monsoon.

Initially, the destructive nets brought or washed ashore were dumped or burned, until Indigenous communities started putting them to a far better use—developing the nets into art forms and useful household items with a message about this growing problem in our oceans.

Spearheading this effort are creative groups like the one at Darnley Island Arts Centre, in Torres Strait.

Artists at this and other centres now use the old nets and fittings, not only to create their trademark sculptures, but colourful bags, hair clips, baskets and jewellery.

Inspired artists: Darnley Islanders making ghost net art.

Images supplied by the Australian Museum

Some of this work is funded through the Patricia Porritt Bequest at the Australian Museum Foundation, where a few of the most outstanding examples so far produced are on permanent display, in William St, Sydney.

Australian Museum Foundation Chairman Diccon Loxton, said the exhibits played a vital role in drawing visitors’ attention to the challenge faced in protecting marine ecosystems.

‘We are delighted to be supporting this project. It celebrates and records Torres Strait Islander culture as it continues to thrive and develop in the current world,’ Mr Loxton said.

Not only is it an arresting way of drawing attention to a major environmental issue, but the work is truly beautiful. — Diccon Loxton

The museum acquired its first ghost net artwork from Darnley Island in 2012 and has steadily added to its collection since.

Mr Loxton said the community is now just one of a growing number turning these destructive materials into stunning works of art, reflecting each community’s struggle to protect its marine environment.