Ghost Net Art: Conservation Storytelling

Exploring First Nations Art and Marine Conservation Year 9 Visual Arts 45 minutes

What Are Ghost Nets?

Take a moment to think... Have you ever heard this term before? What do you imagine they might be?

Ghost Nets: The Hidden Ocean Threat

Fishing nets lost or abandoned in the ocean Continue to trap and kill marine life for years Made of synthetic materials that don't biodegrade Drift with currents, causing widespread damage Major threat to sea turtles, dolphins, and fish

Meet Erub Arts: Transforming Waste into Wonder

Art as Environmental Activism

Ghost nets become raw materials for sculpture Artists weave traditional stories into contemporary forms Artworks raise awareness about ocean health Cultural connection to Sea Country is expressed Art galleries worldwide display these powerful messages

Artwork Analysis Challenge

Choose one ghost net artwork to examine closely Identify: Materials, techniques, colors, patterns Consider: What story is being told? Reflect: How does this make you feel about ocean conservation? Share your observations with a partner

Conservation Messages in Ghost Net Art

{"left":"Respect for marine life and ocean ecosystems\nTraditional knowledge about sustainable fishing\nWarning about plastic pollution dangers","right":"Celebration of cultural connection to Sea Country\nCall to action for environmental protection\nHope through transformation and renewal"}

Art as a Voice for the Voiceless

"When we turn ghost nets into art, we give the ocean a voice. We tell the story of what happens when we don't take care of our Sea Country." - Inspired by Erub Arts philosophy