This week the EU funded project DeFishGear -Derelict Fishing Gear Management system in the Adriatic region (DFG) and Healthy Seas agreed to join forces in their battle against marine litter. DFG aims to ensure the sustainable management of marine litter - in particular derelict fishing gear - in the Adriatic Sea. From this week onwards, both initiatives will collaboratively work towards this common goal.
In order to enhance synergies and impacts, the establishment of collection points for derelict fishing gear is foreseen on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The joint activities will focus on:
• Collection of nets at sea by boats and divers;
• Collection of derelict fishing nets with the involvement of fishermen and fish farms ;
• Communication and raising awareness involving different stakeholder groups and local communities.
The recovered Nylon fishing nets will be regenerated into ECONYL ® yarn, a high-quality raw material used by The Healthy Seas Initiative Members to manufacture new products, such as socks, swimwear, underwear and carpets.
The cooperation will raise awareness on the issue of ghost fishing and the importance of sustainable practices for handling and recycling fish nets and fishing material in the Adriatic region.
www.healthyseas.org
Note to the Editor
About Aquafil
Since 1969, the Aquafil Group has been a leading player, both in Italy and globally, in the production of Nylon 6. In 2011 Aquafil developed and launched the ECONYL® Regeneration System. Thanks to this groundbreaking process, the fishing nets recovered by the Healthy Seas initiative can be regenerated into ECONYL® nylon yarn. The yarn is used for the production of sustainable apparel and carpet products.
www.aquafil.com and www.econyl.com
About the ECNC Group
The ECNC Group is the leading European Expertise Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainability. The Group provides tailor-made expertise on marine conservation and mobilizes its wide international and local networks for Healthy Seas. With the help of dedicated dive teams, the ECNC Group coordinates the recovery of abandoned fishing nets and runs regular activities to raise awareness among the fishing industry and local communities.
www.ecncgroup.eu
About Star Sock
Star Sock, established in 1996, has become a trusted sock-partner for the international retail market. With a focus on sport and lifestyle, it holds licenses for several well-known brands. Respect for the environment forms an integral part of the company philosophy, and an innovative and sustainable approach is behind its long-term success. Star Sock was the first company to give new life to the recovered fishing nets by using ECONYL® regenerated yarn in its socks.
www.starsock.nl
Contact
Aquafil
Ms. Maria Giovanna Sandrini
Tel. +39 0464 581106
Mob. +39 348 6019628
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About DeFishGear project
The DeFishGear- Derelict Fishing Gear Management system in the Adriatic region, a project within the IPA Adriatic Cross-border Cooperation Programme, aims to facilitate efforts for integrated planning to reduce the environmental impacts of litter-generating activities and ensure the sustainable management of the marine and coastal environment of the Adriatic Sea. Ultimately, the DeFishGear project will provide a strategic input to regional efforts in successfully achieving good environmental status in the Mediterranean Sea. The DeFishGear activities are implemented by a multi-disciplinary team comprising academia, research institutes, national and local authorities and NGOs from all seven countries of the Adriatic Sea, reinforcing and strengthening cooperation and fostering joint and harmonized actions towards a litter-free Adriatic.
