SEVEN ship wrecks have been cleared of ropes, creels, dredging nets and whelk traps in a sub-sea purge on “ghost” fishing gear.

The work in Scapa Flow, Orkney, has been carried out by divers from Ghost Fishing UK over four years, with the last expedition completed earlier this month.

The environmental project removes discarded, lost or abandoned fishing supplies that can be hazardous for marine life.

A 30-strong team surveyed the wrecks of vessels from Germany’s First World War High Seas Fleet, including battleships, light cruisers and a destroyer.

Over six days, they removed “great piles” of rope and other items at the well-known dive sites.

The initiative is a partnership with Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University and World Animal Protection.

Using specialist equipment including underwater notepads, the teams were able to document marine life found entangled in ghost gear.

Along with the reams of rope, net, and line, litter including two lorry batteries was also removed.

Dr Richard Walker of Heriot Watt University said the project has reached “a significant milestone”.

“We are delighted to announce that the scuttled WW1 high seas fleet are now clear of any actively fishing ghost gear. The health of the ocean has caught the public’s attention and the outlook often looks bleak. We hope that this is the first in a long line of positive improvements to the marine environment.”

Scapa Flow is a natural harbour and was used for safe anchorage throughout both world wars.

The German High Seas Fleet was interned in Scapa Flow during armistice negotiations and the entire fleet was scuttled on the orders of Admiral Von Rueter when he failed to receive favourable news on the terms agreed.

The main wrecks have survived the attentions of salvors and remain a significant draw for recreational divers.