Microplastic pollution from textiles is found in all of the world’s oceans, emissions are continuing and concentrations are increasing. Those are some of the stark conclusions of a KIMO report on how microfibers from synthetic clothing are escaping into our rivers and seas. The report ‘Microplastics from textiles to the ocean: How clothes cause the … [continue reading]
North Sea Commission and KIMO call for action on lost shipping containers
KIMO and the North Sea Commission have adopted a joint resolution on lost shipping containers. The resolution calls on the European Union and International Maritime Organisation to take action to prevent accidents and protect coastal communities. It also calls on the EU to develop a Convention on Liability and Compensation for when shipping container accidents … [continue reading]
Brexit threat to UK’s ‘Fishing for Litter’ as EU funding ends
A successful scheme that supports fishermen who clean up marine litter faces an uncertain future as the UK leaves the European Union. Organisers are calling on the UK and Scottish governments to guarantee the project’s long-term future. ‘Fishing for Litter’ aims to reduce the amount of marine litter in the sea and on our beaches. … [continue reading]
Could a ‘Sacabout’ help fishermen cut plastic pollution?
With governments across Europe rushing to outlaw wasteful single-use plastics, attention is moving to another source of plastic pollution along our coasts and beaches. A new invention could help turn the tide on accidental litter from the fishing industry. Fishing nets and ropes account for 28% of all beach litter around the North East Atlantic. … [continue reading]
Six steps for municipalities to help tackle ‘ghost gear’
Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear is known as ‘ghost gear’. It’s the most harmful form of marine debris. Luckily, there are six things municipalities can do to help tackle this form of marine pollution. Ghost gear is haunting coastal areas all over the world. It is a damaging form of marine litter and … [continue reading]
Dutch fishermen bring home record haul… of litter!
Fishermen have broken all records for marine litter returned to shore under the Fishing for Litter scheme in the Netherlands. Participants in IJmuiden, Den Helder, Harlingen, Stellendam and Vlissingen have already received certificates. Local government officials have presented certificates in recognition of fishermen’s contribution to the Dutch Fishing for Litter scheme. Fishermen in Delfzijl, Eemshaven, … [continue reading]
Danish coast finds winning ticket for clean beaches
A new project is tackling marine litter and helping to keep beaches clean along the Danish coast. Six KIMO municipalities have launched a ‘Coastal Lottery’. There is hardly a beach in the world that does not suffer from plastic pollution and other waste washing up on shore. While armies of volunteers already take part in … [continue reading]
Swedish municipality recasting the net on marine waste
The Sotenäs region is a small Swedish municipality with a big vision: turning the problem of marine waste into an opportunity for local jobs, green innovation and a more sustainable future. Located an hour’s drive north of Gothenburg on the Swedish west coast, Sotenäs is a coastal community with a year-round population of just over … [continue reading]
Marine Litter Watch: A Call For Data
One of the most powerful tools in the fight against marine litter is data. When we quantify the problem and provide figures as solid evidence to our policy makers, we are able to demonstrate the full scale of the problem and drive real change for the Ocean. The value of data collection is at the … [continue reading]
New report sets course towards recyclable fishing gear
A landmark EU report has set out the challenges, best practice and solutions in the circular design of fishing gear. Experts now hope that better design will help increase recycling and cut pollution. Current fishing gear, such as nets, ropes and other equipment is often difficult or even impossible to recycle. This presents a major … [continue reading]