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Multi-stakeholder perspective to generate evidence and strategies for sustainable management of ropes from the fishing sector of Norway
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This study used material flow analysis to assess plastic mass flows from Norway's commercial fishing sector, finding approximately 383 tons of fishing ropes lost annually in Norwegian waters. Only one-third of the 15 rope types analyzed could be efficiently recycled with current technologies, identifying significant gaps in circularity for this major source of marine plastic pollution.
Marine plastic pollution is a growing stressor affecting both marine and terrestrial life. Plastic polymers are widespread in oceans, including sparsely populated Nordic countries. Norway, a fishing-dominant region, faces substantial plastic pollution from fishing ropes, which often end up incinerated, landfilled, or lost in the ocean, contributing to the ghost fishing problem. This research employs a static material flow analysis (MFA) to assess plastic mass flows and the recyclability of 15 rope types used in Norway's commercial fishing sector. Findings reveal that approximately 383 tons of ropes are lost annually in Norwegian waters, endangering fish species. Furthermore, only one-third of the rope types can be efficiently recycled using available recycling technologies, highlighting the need for circularity. The MFA and inventory-based ranking approach shows significant potential as a holistic decision support tool for industry and policymakers in exercising sustainable and circular management for ropes.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.