Nearly 500 abandoned fishing nets pulled from Estonian side of Lake Peipus
Estonian authorities removed almost 500 abandoned fishing nets from Lake Peipus during a four-day operation, highlighting the risk of microplastics entering the food chain.
Cleanup operation on the lake
The Estonian Environmental Board, together with fishers, retrieved nearly 500 abandoned fishing nets from Lake Peipus in a four-day cleanup effort. The operation, which began on Thursday from the town of Mustvee, involved 11 boats. Crews first worked in the central and southern parts of the lake before moving north.
Origin of the nets
Lead inspector Ivar Veider said that at least half of the recovered nets likely drifted over from the Russian side with the ice, but there are also nets lost or abandoned on the Estonian side. Most appear to be winter nets, which are set in pairs. Chief inspector Ivo Kask noted that it is not always possible to determine where a net comes from—for instance, a Chinese-made net could have been used in either country. However, experts can distinguish large frame nets based on design and materials.
Annual search
Authorities said that only about one-third of the lake is searched each year. This year's work focused on areas missed in previous seasons. Kask explained that crews prioritize zones based on ice movement patterns and aim to recover nets lost a year or two ago. They also target cases where nets may have been intentionally left in the water.
Microplastic risk
Abandoned nets pose risks not only to fish and other aquatic animals but also to boat engines and fishing equipment. Kask pointed out that modern nets are made of synthetic materials, and if they break down on the lake bottom, they turn into microplastics. These microplastics can be consumed by fish and eventually end up in the human food chain.
