Fishing for Litter

This unique and award-winning project works with fishermen and the fishing industry to reduce the amount of plastic pollution and marine litter in the sea and on our beaches.

Following a successful test project in the Netherlands, KIMO created the Fishing for Litter project in 2004. Our members now operate the scheme in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the Faroe Islands.

Since being endorsed as a model project by the Regional Seas Convention for the North East Atlantic (OSPAR), Fishing for Litter has been launched by other organisations in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy and beyond.

The idea is simple but effective. The scheme provides large, hard-wearing bags to boats, which volunteer to participate in the scheme. Fishermen continue to work as usual, but they bring any waste caught alongside the catch back to port. The project covers the costs of collection and disposal and demonstrates the fishing industry’s commitment to a healthy environment.

In addition to helping to clean up the sea, the project also raises awareness about marine litter.

Join Fishing for Litter?

Are you the skipper of a fishing vessel? Would you like to help us create a healthier marine environment? Then please let us know by completing this registration form.

If there is no scheme currently operating in your area, please still register your vessel. If enough vessels from a particular harbour show an interest in joining Fishing for Litter, we can approach the port authority to explore options for setting up a new scheme.

Result? Cleaner seas, cleaner beaches and a healthier marine environment.

Looking for more information?

Visit FishingForLitter.org for more information about Fishing for Litter projects in Europe, including a map of participating harbours.