The hidden dangers of 'ghost gear' to our marine wildlife

Volunteers are taking part in a dive near St Michaels Mount in Cornwall to try to remove potentially deadly fishing litter from the ocean.

"Ghost gear", as its known, is lost or discarded fishing gear, and can pose a risk to seals, whales and other marine life who can become caught or entangled in the equipment.

Fishing gear can end up in the water through accidents or poor conditions on the sea, and can remain underwater for hundreds of years.

World Animal Protection and volunteer divers with Fathoms Free marine conservation group are taking part in their first sea dive today from a new boat to recover a large fishing net on the ocean floor.

Fathoms Free has recovered some 8.5 tonnes of litter over two years just from dives from the shore. This new boat allows them to widen their searches and reach areas only accessible by boat.

Fathoms Free reuse the litter, some has been transformed into works of art and some returned to the sea as ocean kayaks