Seafish is launching a survey to assess the landscape around the issue of end-of-life fishing gear in the UK, aiming ultimately to inform future sustainable management, to help minimise waste and encourage greater recycling.
There are challenges to the sustainable management of waste fishing gear, due to the cost and complexity of disassembling, and the current low value of the recovered materials which can result in this end-of-life fishing gear ending up as landfill. The survey has been requested by DEFRA, and aims to connect with the entire gear supply chain including manufacturers and assemblers, fishing vessel owners and skippers, aquaculture businesses, ports and waste management companies.
Seafish researchers are looking to interview supply chain stakeholders to gain important insights, including where gear is manufactured and assembled, the types of materials used, the average lifespan and what happens once the gear reaches the end of its useable life.
The research aims to create a better understanding of how waste can be reduced and where further support is needed around collection and recycling to help work towards a more circular economy.
‘These surveys are an opportunity for organisations and stakeholders across the supply chain to have their voice heard on how gear is currently managed, including recycling, once it’s reached the end-of-life,’ said Jennifer Robson, Head of Economics, Insight and Advice at Seafish.
‘By completing these surveys, you could help shape future policies on how to responsibly manage and recycle end-of-life fishing and aquaculture gear.’
Surveys will be conducted in person at ports and harbours, and other sites around the UK, in addition to surveys of foreign manufacturers and waste management companies are scheduled. Information provided in the survey will be kept strictly confidential and only anonymised results and findings will be used.
The survey began in Northern Ireland at the end of July with relevant organisations invited to participate. Anyone wishing to take part can contact EOLFG.survey@seafish.co.uk.
