Three major incidents mean more than double the number of shipping containers were lost in the last four months than the total lost in an average year. Cargo vessels lost a total of 2,979 shipping containers between November 2020 and March 2021. The unusually high number is due to significant losses from the ONE Apus, … [continue reading]
‘Forget me knot’ – fishers from Scotland to Sweden take on net cuttings pollution
With the fish-buying public increasingly concerned about plastic pollution, European fishermen are stepping up action to reduce their impact on the marine environment. KIMO researchers spoke to fishermen in four countries to learn more. Beach cleaners will instantly recognise fishermen’s ‘net cuttings’. These are the small pieces of rope and cord found on beaches all … [continue reading]
Bergen commemorates Jarle Kval, the ‘plastic whale’ who inspired thousands
A special event hosted by the University of Bergen, Norway, has marked four years since the death of ‘Jarle Kval’ – a Curvier’s beaked whale that died after ingesting 30 plastic bags. Jarle Kval died of plastic pollution outside the city of Bergen in January 2017. After conducting an autopsy, scientists concluded that Jarle suffered … [continue reading]
European Maritime Day is looking for your events for 2021
The 2021 edition of the European Maritime Day is looking to gather information about coastal events between April and October this year. Organisers can submit details of their (online) European Maritime Day events to the European Commission. As a reward, the Commission is offering #EMDinMyCountry gadgets and some free publicity. Like in previous years, a … [continue reading]
KIMO launches report on microplastic pollution from textiles
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]
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