UK supermarkets Marks & Spencer and Waitrose joined the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) to help tackle the issue of lost and abandoned fishing gear in the world's oceans.

The group includes members from the fishing industry, seafood companies, NGOs and governments, including the UK.

Ghost fishing gear, such as abandoned and lost nets, pots and lines, represents more than 70 percent of all the floating macroplastics (larger than 5mm) in the ocean and causes the deaths of than one hundred thousand whales, dolphins, seals and turtles every year through entanglement, according to GGGI.

“Our customers care about reducing plastic pollution and the health of our oceans," said Marks & Spencer's Fisheries and Aquaculture Manager Hannah Macintyre. "That’s why we’re committed to responsible sourcing, it’s why we’re supporting the Responsible Fishing Scheme and why we’ve joined the GGGI.

"As well as funding GGGI’s vital work, we will be working with our suppliers to transform their approach managing their fishing gear and ensuring best practice when it comes to gear marking, disposing of marine litter, recycling old gear and reporting lost kit," she said.

“Responsible sourcing is a top priority for us so this is a positive step for the environment and the future of sustainable fishing,’’ said Waitrose Head of Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing Tor Harris.