Fishing for Litter in the Framework of the PRF Directive: Experiences and Challenges in the Atlantic
On 6 February 2026, the Free LitterAT project organised the webinar entitled “Fishing for Litter in the frame of PRF directive: experiences and challenges in the Atlantic”, with the aim of exchanging experiences and identifying the challenges arising from the implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/883 on port reception facilities for waste from ships (PRF Directive) and its connection with Fishing for Litter schemes that have been developed for several years in European countries with the collaboration of fishers.
The event, moderated by UBS, served as a forum for knowledge exchange between representatives from the European Commission (DG Move), the OSPAR Convention, KIMO, competent administrations from Atlantic Area countries (Ireland, France, Portugal and Spain), ports and technological centres. It allowed participants to share perspectives on the current management of unintentionally caught waste, as well as on the progress achieved and the remaining challenges in aligning operational practices with the European regulatory framework.
Following a general presentation of the European Union legal context, the role of the PRF Directive in defining procedures for monitoring, reporting and managing marine litter passively caught by fishing vessels was addressed. In this regard, the importance of applying harmonised approaches to data collection and reporting was highlighted, as well as ensuring consistency between national practices and requirements established at European level. An overview was also presented of the actions promoted within the framework of the OSPAR Convention regarding Fishing for Litter schemes, including their level of implementation in the Northeast Atlantic, the obligations derived from the Convention and their alignment with the OSPAR Strategy 2030, particularly Strategic Objective 4 aimed at reducing marine litter. The main progress, challenges and opportunities identified were also discussed, with funding highlighted as one of the key factors for their long-term sustainability.
CETMAR presented the first results of the Free LitterAT project related to the theme of the seminar, offering an overview of the state of implementation of the PRF Directive, current waste management practices in ports and experience with Fishing for Litter schemes in the participating countries. The presentation emphasised the importance of building on the experience gained through these projects to address the Directive’s requirements. It also showcased the resources being developed by the project: guidelines for the implementation of the SUP and PRF Directives, an inventory of good practices, and a training package including a guide and infographics to strengthen the management of this type of waste. These resources will be available at https://goodpractices.freelitterat.eu/ and on the project website https://freelitterat.eu/.
KIMO shared its extensive experience in the field of marine litter, highlighting the Fishing for Litter initiative, launched in the Netherlands in 2004 and currently active in 11 European countries. Recognised as a best practice by the European Commission, HELCOM and OSPAR, KIMO coordinates projects in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Belgium, working closely with fishers to collect waste, provide guidance and educational resources and promote recycling, including pilot projects such as the Isle of Skye Fisheries Recycling Coalition in 2025.
A specific part of the seminar was devoted to presenting practical experiences in Fishing for Litter and in the management of fisheries and port waste in Portugal and Spain, Ireland and France. Representatives from public bodies and management entities such as DOCAPESCA, MITERD, MTU and Repechon les Oceans shared their experience and different organisational models and operational solutions to facilitate the reception, characterisation and appropriate treatment of waste landed in ports, as well as the resources developed to support its management. This includes the document “General Criteria for the Implementation of Fishing for Litter Schemes” developed by MITERD within the LIFE IP INTEMARES project. These contributions highlighted the importance of cooperation between fishers, port authorities, waste managers and competent administrations.
The Port of Vigo highlighted improvements in reception facilities and its experience in projects involving incidentally caught waste and harbour cleaning, emphasising the importance of having efficient infrastructure and protocols. AIMPLAS contributed its experience as a technological centre with extensive expertise in the development of recycling processes, as well as its perspective on the main challenges associated with the valorisation of waste from Fishing for Litter. These include the low quality and high heterogeneity of these materials, the high management costs compared with their limited market value, existing technological limitations and the lack of a clearly defined regulatory and responsibility framework. The need for greater coordination among the different actors in the value chain was also stressed in order to move towards technically and economically viable circular economy solutions.
The discussion also analysed the main challenges associated with implementing the management of incidentally caught waste and ensuring the continuity of Fishing for Litter schemes. These include infrastructure needs, maintaining fishers’ engagement, proper use of containers, traceability of waste streams, data quality and, particularly, achieving long-term operational and economic sustainability through the identification of financing mechanisms. The importance of having clear procedures and adequate coordination of responsibilities among the different actors involved was particularly emphasised.
The seminar concluded by highlighting the added value of transnational cooperation and knowledge exchange, reaffirming the role of projects such as Free LitterAT as key tools to support the coherent implementation of the PRF Directive and contribute to the reduction of marine litter in the Atlantic region.
