B.4.3 Reducing the impact of fishing related items, such as net cuttings and dolly rope
Action Theme: Theme B: Actions to reduce sea-based sources of marine litter
Action number: B.4.3
Action Title: Promote practical solutions for reducing the impact of certain specific fishing related items, such as net cuttings and dolly rope
Lead Party(ies): Belgium, Germany, Netherlands and KIMO with support from Seas at Risk
Image: ©DAERA
What is the issue?
In the European beam trawl fishing industry, high value fishing nets are dragged across the seabed which subjects them to severe abrasive wear. To avoid damaging the nets, dolly ropes are attached to the cod end of the nets and, during the trawl, spread out into tiny filaments to create a protective cushion or buffer between the nets and the seabed.
Cuttings from nets, dolly rope and cord discarded unintentionally or disposed of irresponsibly have a significant impact on the marine and coastal environments of the OSPAR region and are amongst the top ten items found on northern European beaches.
What has OSPAR done?
This action builds on the outputs produced under RAP 1 (Link to Action 37
Under this action OSPAR will drive forward (1) improvements in monitoring (2) increasing awareness (3) encouraging the use of best practices and improving education (4) harmonise with end-of-life
Final outputs and published reports
It is anticipated in a phased approach by 2026, the action will deliver:
- OSPAR guidelines to mitigate net cuttings waste and inform on alternatives of dolly rope;
- Strengthened monitoring and increased knowledge base via revision of the CEMP guidelines;
- Education for fishers guidelines and fishing for litter updated to include responsible handling and disposal of net cuttings waste and dolly rope, coordinated with action B.4.5;
- Coordinated OSPAR behaviour change campaign that highlights all the above aspects;
- An OSPAR recommendation to phase out the use and sale of dolly rope in Europe.
