B.4.4 Address recreational fishing as a source for marine litter
Action Theme: Theme B: Actions to reduce sea-based sources of marine litter
Action number: B.4.4
Action Title: Address recreational fishing as a source for marine litter
Lead Party(ies): Portugal with support from Belgium, Denmark, Germany and Sweden
Image: ©OSPAR Commission
What is the issue?
Recreational fishing is a growing activity all across the OSPAR maritime area and represent a diverse reality in every country. The recreational fishing sector is organized differently to the commercial sector and therefore needs to be addressed specifically. At present, there are no statistics on how much recreational fishing gear are put on the market annually within the OSPAR countries, nor are there any statistics on the amount and quantity of fishing gear that are lost every year. In addition there is a gap in knowledge about the waste generated during recreational fishing activities. Waste from this sector can significantly contribute to marine litter, containing plastics that will eventually break down to microplastics.
What has OSPAR done?
This action will evaluate the significance of recreational fishing including angling as a source for marine litter in order to define and take appropriate measures.
Final outputs and published reports
It is anticipated that this action will be active through to 2029 and deliver the following outputs including:
- a report on impact of recreational fishing as a source of marine litter in the NEA area;
- Recommendations for actions to be taken up by policy-makers;
- a set of best practices for the sector–related industries;
- Awareness raising products;
- an evaluation of mitigation measures.
