a global problem
THE OCEANS ARE DROWNING IN THE FLOOD OF PLASTIC
One of the five massive plastic gyres in our oceans, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, is 4.5 times the size of Germany. And here´s something few people know: 46% of it consists of ghost nets , lost or deliberately discarded fishing nets. Every year, another million tons of these nets end up in our oceans, where they continue to trap marine life, leading to a slow and painful death for countless creatures. These nets drift through the seas for 600-800 years before breaking down into microplastics - unless we do something about it!
our mission
WE´RE FREEING THE OCEANS FROM THE GHOSTS OF NETS
We want the oceans to be what they once were - free of plastic! That's why we recover the ghost nets and upcycle them into new products with which you can make your own contribution to protecting our oceans. We rely on local, fair handcraft in our own workshops in Hamburg and Porto. We regularly donate to Healthy Seas to finance recovery missions and preventive measures and support many other projects to protect the oceans and marine animals.
our upcycling products
EVERY PRODUCT, ONE LESS GHOST NET IN THE OCEAN
For most of our nets, we work closely with Healthy Seas, Ghost Diving and Nofir. Healthy Seas coordinates recovery missions with the 200 specially trained volunteer divers from Ghost Diving worldwide. Once retrieved, Nofir cleans the nets using only water, ensuring an environmentally friendly process. We also receive nets from other organisations actively recovering these hazards, as well as discarded nets directly from fisheries. Then it’s our turn! We upcycle these nets by hand into unique products like Bracenets, dog leashes, keychains, and rings. Each item is one of a kind and a powerful statement for the protection of our oceans.
our shared impact
THE OCEANS THANK YOU
Your Bracenet product is your personal contribution to protecting our oceans. It doesn’t just mean one less ghost net—it also helps fund future recovery missions, support global dive teams, and drive preventive measures.
Together, we support many incredible marine conservation projects.
For example, we stand with Sea Shepherd in the fight to save porpoises in the Baltic Sea, work with Shark Allies to protect shark populations worldwide, and support the Charles Darwin Foundation in preserving biodiversity around the Galápagos Islands—just to name a few. A huge thank you for being part of this mission!
our community
MORE THAN JUST ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Our mission isn’t just about the oceans—it’s also about the people who fight for them: our team, our partners, and everyone out there making a difference.
We work closely with Lebenshilfewerk Neumünster, where they support us with sporadic product innovations, they for instance craft the net handles for our Soulbottles, and provide a safe place for our recovered nets.
Beyond that, we’re proud to support projects like Hausboot Huckleberry Finn, which gives children with disabilities the opportunity to experience adventure and relaxation on the water.
As well as Malte Zierden with his animal protection projects, and Robert Marc Lehmann can count on our support as well.
Most of all, we are deeply grateful for your support. Every email, every idea, every message of encouragement means so much to us. And for every single ordered Bracenet that finds its way to you is sent with love and purpose.
circular economy
REPURPOSE THE OLD, INSTEAD OF WASTING THE NEW
We use resources that no one wants anymore—materials that would otherwise threaten our oceans and ecosystems. By giving ghost nets a new purpose, we set an example for a true circular economy.
At the same time, we make environmental protection accessible to everyone. With our products, you help fund further ghost net recovery missions. When you wear a Bracenet on your wrist, you’re not just making a statement—you’re sharing our message with the world. It’s a conversation starter, a symbol of change, and a daily reminder to live more consciously.
learn more about marine conservation
NOT ENOUGH YET?
If you’ve found all of this interesting, you’ll definitely want to stay informed about our projects! Why not follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter? You’ll find more insights and valuable knowledge on our blog. And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at hello@bracenet.net