B.2.1 Manage end-of-life recreational vessels
Action Theme: Theme B: Actions to reduce sea-based sources of marine litter
Action number: B.2.1
Action Title: Manage end-of-life recreational vessels
Lead Party(ies): United Kingdom with support from Belgium, Sweden, the European Boating Industry and the European Boating Association
Image: ©Shutterstock
What is the issue?
End-of-life recreational vessels are a source of marine litter when abandoned offshore or on shorelines (including ports), their degradation leading to macro and micro litter spreading with wind and oceanographic processes.
What has OSPAR done?
OSPAR is applying the concept of life cycle management to other products that are the source of marine litter, and such an approach is also required for recreational vessels. This is particularly important with the increased promotion of marine tourism sectors across the region when combined with an ageing fleet of boats constructed with glass re-enforced plastic.
Final outputs and published reports
Background Document on end-of-life recreational vessels (2024)
Best practice guidance on the management of end-of-life recreational vessels is in development.
