B.4.5 Raise awareness and improve education in the fishing sector

The existing OSPAR Recommendations on Fishing for Litter (2016/01) and sustainability education programmes for fishers (2019/01) are the backbone of OSPAR’s activity to reduce marine litter from the fishing sector. It is therefore important to review and update the education content, as new information becomes available, ensuring that the content remains relevant and fit for purpose.

In addition, international developments, such as the outputs of the European ‘Catching the Potential’ project and the revision of the STC-F code at IMO are also relevant to integrate in the OSPAR Recommendations. STCW-Fstands for The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, and is adopted by IMO. Currently this standard is being revised. It is considered to be one of the most important worldwide standard certification schemes for fishermen. Action from OSPAR can help provide a coherent, regional approach for the North-East Atlantic with regards to implementing the STC-F code and the outputs of the Catching the Potential project.

OSPAR will work to raise awareness of marine litter and support training and education in the fishing and aquaculture sector. Raising awareness and education in the fishing sector has been proven effective in combatting marine litter, especially when combined with Fishing for Litter schemes.

(links to dolly rope, net cuttings and other certain fisheries items action (B.4.3), and the sustainable design action (B.4.2) and builds on outputs of RAP 1, including Actions 53 and 58).

Through this action, OSPAR will aim to Update and strengthen the following OSPAR Recommendations:

1) OSPAR Recommendation 2016/01 on the reduction of marine litter through the implementation of fishing for litter initiatives

2) OSPAR Recommendation 2019/01 on the reduction of marine litter through the Implementation of Sustainability Education Programmes for Fishers