The main objective of the project is to remove at least 1500 kg of lost or abandoned nets or fishing gear from Black Sea waters with the help of interest groups such as fishermen's associations or divers. The interest groups will be included in a unified database dedicated to the disposal of lost or abandoned nets or fishing gear.
Project activities will also include the organisation of three stakeholder workshops on reporting, sharing best practices for the management of ghost fishing gear, and finally the possibility of recycling it.
Meetings with all target groups will help to minimise gaps in reporting and disposal of lost or abandoned fishing gear. This will help to raise awareness in tackling the problem of marine litter from fishing activity and contribute to the development of guidance on its effective management. These actions will aim to change practices in the fishing sector, as it is well known that continuous education and motivation is an important means to minimise the impacts.
The results of the meetings will provide solutions to this problem with benefits not only for the marine environment but also for economic sectors.
A series of dedicated events will be organised to raise public awareness of the problem of accidentally lost or abandoned fishing gear. These include:
- An online campaign will run from 31 July to 13 August promoting actions dedicated to the disposal of lost or abandoned nets or fishing gear. One action will be on Dolphin Day and the second action is the Net Free Black Sea 2.0 - Call to action event. SEE DETAILS HERE AND REGISTER
- during the International Black Sea Day, the Black Sea Cross.