FISHING FOR LITTER: KIMO UK

Fishing for Litter: KIMO UK. Supporting the fishing industry in removing litter from the sea while promoting sustainable waste management practices.

Project details

Fishing for Litter is a voluntary initiative that engages the fishing industry in reducing marine litter while raising awareness of its environmental and economic impacts. The scheme, run by KIMO UK, enables fishers to collect litter at sea and dispose of it responsibly at participating ports and harbours.

The project received funding from the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS), allowing it to expand its impact by increasing available storage at ports, recruiting additional fishing vessels, and extending the initiative to more locations across the UK coastline. The funding has ensured the continuation of this initiative, which has been active for 18 years in the southwest of England, preventing thousands of tonnes of waste from polluting marine environments.

Project outcomes

• Over 350 tonnes of marine litter collected since the project’s inception.
• Enabled the continuation and expansion of the Fishing for Litter project, benefiting the fishing industry, the marine environment, and local coastal economies.
• The inclusion of 57 new fishing vessels around England, with participation continuing to grow.
• 35 harbours across England now designated as drop-off points for collected litter.
• Engaging with local communities and schools to promote environmental awareness and sustainable fishing practices.
• Alignment with national and international marine conservation targets, including the OSPAR Regional Action Plan for Marine Litter, which aims for a 100% increase in participating vessels in the OSPAR area.
• Recognition in Defra’s evaluation of the Fishing for Litter Scheme as the leading initiative for fishers to remove marine litter from UK waters.

Julia Cant a representative from KIMO UK, said:

“Thanks to FaSS funding, we’ve been able to expand our Fishing for Litter scheme and reach more fishers across the country. This initiative has not only helped remove significant amounts of litter from our seas but also strengthened the fishing industry’s role in marine conservation.”

Learn More

Find out more about KIMO UK and the Fishing for Litter project.

Image credit: KIMO

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