The marine resources of Puget Sound received a tremendous boost June 30 when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the Northwest Straits Commission will receive a $4.5 million grant to remove derelict gill nets lost or discarded in Puget Sound.

Lost and abandoned gill nets create a vicious cycle of destruction. They keep snaring fish, crabs and marine mammals which then die, attracting additional predators, which then also become ensnared. The nets also wreak havoc on marine habitat. Carried by currents and tides, they scrape the floors of rivers and bays, scouring the fragile ecosystems.

NOAA should be commended for recognizing this serious environmental challenge and targeting funds to remove 3,000 high-priority derelict gill nets from Puget Sound. The project is an important first step toward the real solution of ending the use of these dangerous nets in our waters.

Another important step is prevention. State officials must take action to reduce the ongoing loss of fishing gear and to hold offenders accountable. This includes mandatory identification tags for active gear and mandatory reporting of lost gear.