The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries is preparing to start this year’s clean-up initiative to retrieve lost fishing gear. The clean-up operation starts from Ålesund, again with fishing vessel Vikingbank chartered for the duration.
The operation commences on the shallow banks off Ålesund, and covers both coastal and offshore areas as far north as 71°N. The second stage takes in offshore, coastal and fjord areas from Senja to North Cape and Nordkyn, including snow crab fishing grounds.
Some of the retrieved gear can be returned to owners, if this is possible around the plan of operation. Otherwise, the retrieved fishing gear is delivered to an approved reception facility for further handling and disposal.
The Directorate states that there is still time to register lost fishing gear ahead of this year’s clean-up operation.
