Restoring Marine Life: The UB-88 Project Tackles Ghost Nets on a Historic World War I U-Boat

• The UB-88 Project by Ghost Diving USA aims to remove approximately 3,000 square feet of ghost nets from a historic World War I U-boat, transforming it into a safe artificial reef.

• The project, scheduled for December 16-20, 2024, involves expert-led dive teams and comprehensive assessments to restore marine habitats and protect biodiversity.

• Community outreach and education are key components, with recovered nets repurposed into bracelets to fund future net removal initiatives.

San Pedro, California, Dec. 1, 2024—The UB-88 Project, led by Ghost Diving USA (GDUSA), is set to confront the persistent threat posed by ghost nets—derelict fishing gear that continues to trap and kill marine life. This ambitious project focuses on the UB-88, a World War I German U-boat resting at a depth of 190 feet off the coast of San Pedro. Over time, large fishing nets have become entangled across the wreck’s stern, turning it into an inadvertent death trap for marine species.

Michael Gasbarro, GDUSA’s Director of Development, emphasizes, “Working on the UB-88 carries a unique responsibility, especially given its history and significance. By removing ghost nets and reducing entanglements, we’re protecting both the site’s biodiversity and the wreck’s structural integrity, ensuring that future generations can experience and learn from this important piece of maritime history.”

Katie McWilliams, GDUSA’s CFO and treasurer, adds, “I feel that the UB-88 Project will contribute to the long-term conservation of the wreck and site in multiple ways. While a good amount of the net is suspended in the water column, the net in the sand and under the wreck also poses a significant threat to the environment. We are so fortunate to live in California because of the vast biodiversity of our ocean. By protecting the ocean, we protect what makes our coastline unique and beautiful.”

The mission of the UB-88 Project is to remove approximately 3,000 square feet of these ghost nets, transforming the wreck from a hazardous zone into a safe artificial reef that will encourage marine biodiversity. This initiative is not just about removing debris; it’s about restoring the ocean’s health and creating a vibrant habitat for aquatic life.

Curtis Wolfslau, Vice President and Director of IT, adds, “The continuous addition of abandoned fishing gear and other waste into the ocean will only lead to the gradual destruction of our ocean ecosystem. This waste directly kills marine life and destroys habitats essential for their survival. Although it’s out of sight for many, the impact is growing. If left unchecked, it will increasingly affect future generations.”

Vice President and Secretary Karim Hamza notes the site’s beauty and danger: ” It’s a beautiful death trap. The UB-88 has amazing decorations, like the plush Metridium hanging on the wreck and the sparkling strawberry anemones. While large amounts of wildlife have found a wonderful home, the site has become a giant death trap in action daily. This needs protection.”

Jim Babor, President and CEO of GDUSA, expresses his personal connection to the project: “I’m thrilled to finally begin ‘Project UB-88’ after months of planning. This wreck holds a deep, personal connection for me; after years of diving it, I’ve seen firsthand the damage caused by abandoned nets, threatening marine life and the wreck itself. It’s time to clear these nets away, restoring the UB-88 as a safe haven and habitat for the vibrant life surrounding it.”

Project Highlights

Expert-Led Dive Team: The UB-88 team comprises highly trained technical scuba divers, marine biologists, and underwater cleanup experts renowned for their experience in marine debris removal. Pre-dive surveys include a 3-D photogrammetry model of the wreck.

Scheduled Net Removal: The net removal efforts are planned for December 16-20, 2024, with two daily dives. The primary team focuses on carefully removing ghost nets, while the secondary team documents the process, all designed to minimize harm to the marine environment.

Post-Cleanup Assessment: GDUSA will conduct a comprehensive site assessment to document the recovery of the UB-88 and establish a benchmark for the restoration of marine habitats impacted by ghost nets.

Community Outreach: GDUSA is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of ghost nets. Project outcomes will be shared through media and educational programs. Additionally, recovered nets will be repurposed into bracelets that are available online, with proceeds funding future net removal projects.

Expanding the Mission: The UB-88 Project is part of GDUSA’s broader commitment to continue removing ghost nets from other sites and increase community outreach and advocacy over the next year, furthering marine conservation.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact James Babor, President of GDUSA, at (818) 219-8664 or [email protected]. Alternatively, reach Gözde Akbayir, Media and Marketing Manager, at +356 99310255 or [email protected].