Fishing industry to examine ‘end-of-life’ waste gear options
In-depth research into reducing waste in the fishing industry is being undertaken with the aim of increasing recycling of used gear.
Seafish, the public body which supports the UK seafood industry, has launched end-of-life fishing and aquaculture gear surveys.
Researchers will interview supply chain stakeholders to glean 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.
Industry waste is difficult to manage sustainably, due to the cost and complexity of disassembling, and the current low value of the recovered materials.
To help understand what steps could be taken to help drive greater sustainable resource management, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has asked Seafish to speak with the entire gear supply chain including manufacturers/assemblers, fishing vessel owners and skippers, aquaculture businesses, ports/harbours and waste management companies.
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.
Seafish’s head of economics, insight and advice, Jennifer Robson said: “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.
“By completing these surveys, you could help shape future policies on how to responsibly manage and recycle end-of-life fishing and aquaculture gear.”
The surveys will be conducted in person at ports and harbours, and other sites around the UK.
Telephone, postal and online surveys of foreign manufacturers and waste management companies are scheduled too.
To take part in the survey confidentially, contact EOLFG.survey@seafish.co.uk
Researchers will be visiting locations across the UK including Ullapool to Skerray from Monday. Email joe.vince@seafish.co.uk to arrange to speak with Joe during these visits.
Two further weeks of survey work have been scheduled for the end of September with locations yet to be decided.
