Divers recovered abandoned “ghost nets” from the sunken fishing vessel Midnight Hour off Catalina Island this week, 15 years after it sank.
The mission was led by nonprofit Healthy Seas with Hyundai and Ghost Diving USA as part of a new U.S. initiative called “From Sea to Shore.” The nets were cut loose and brought up to be recycled.
Since 2013, Healthy Seas has removed over 1,300 tons of nets and marine debris worldwide. Hyundai, a partner since 2021, says the group has recovered more than 320 tons across 10 countries. Recovered nylon is turned into ECONYL yarn and used to make floor mats for Hyundai models like the IONIQ and SANTA FE.
The program also includes beach cleanups at Huntington State Beach and an “Ocean Heroes” education workshop for kids.
“We are connecting different parts of the same story,” said Healthy Seas Director Veronika Mikos — cleaning coasts, recovering ocean gear, and teaching the next generation to protect marine life.
