Holistic Solution Approach for Preventing Fishing Gear Pollution in the Marine Environment (UNSEA)

Development of a holistic solution approach for preventing marine environment pollution by fishing gear (UNSEA): Prevention of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) entry into the North and Baltic Seas, reduction of negative ecological and socioeconomic impacts, identification and recovery of legacy pollution in ecologically sensitive areas. Commercial, subsistence, and recreational fishing are addressed; aquaculture, mariculture, and inland fishing are excluded. Focus on cost-efficient, operational measures, embedding circular economy principles in fishing gear management, considering Dolly Ropes and net parts from repairs. The project includes initial funding, creation of long-term structures, and a cross-sectoral mechanism for knowledge and information exchange. It builds upon existing legal frameworks, research recommendations, preliminary work by the Marine Litter Roundtable (RTM), and pilot projects in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein. Work must be closely coordinated with planned follow-up activities for mapping and recovery of fishing gear waste, further items as per the tender documents.

Tender documents

Additional details