This report aims to contribute to discussion related to the widespread and enduring problem of waste fishing gear in the world's oceans. It highlights the problem and proposes business opportunities. To help tackle the problems and opportunities in the Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) region, the European Commission (EC) Interreg funded Blue Circular Economy (BCE) project offers free help, including events, webinars and 1:1 mentoring to start-ups, SMEs and entrepreneurs as well as co-operatives and social enterprises in the NPA region.
This report presents an overview of:
• Gear used for fishing for finfish, shellfish and aquaculture
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as it relates to waste fishing gear, as announced in the European Commission (EC) Single Use Plastics (SUP) Directive
• Opportunities that might arise for more circular business models (CBMs) and new products for start-ups, SMEs, entrepreneurs, co-operatives and social enterprises in port cities, towns and fishing communities in the Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) region, and beyond
• Strategies for improving the product circularity of fishing gear (circular design)
The report includes a look at challenges posed by waste fishing gear in our oceans and at end of life, and, includes a short discussion on the implications for stakeholders and SMEs in the NPA region (see Appendix A). It addresses the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme (that is part of the EC’s SUP Directive), new circular business models (CBMs) and circular design of fishing gear and finishes with overall conclusions.
Fishing gear are complex products, comprising nets, ropes, components and peripherals e.g. polymers, metals, rubbers etc. This report uses the term waste "fishing gear" when referring to fishing nets, ropes, components and peripherals (FNRCPs)
