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An evaluation of the Fishing For Litter (FFL) scheme in the UK in terms of attitudes, behavior, barriers and opportunities
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A UK program called Fishing For Litter, where fishing boats collect ocean trash they encounter during normal work, is helping tackle the growing problem of marine litter, including plastics that break down into microplastics and eventually end up in seafood and drinking water. Researchers found that fishers who participate in the program not only feel good about it, but also tend to adopt cleaner waste habits overall, both at sea and on land, suggesting these clean-up efforts can shift behavior at the source rather than just cleaning up after the fact. This matters because reducing ocean plastic pollution at its root may help limit the microplastics that eventually make their
Marine litter is a global, persistent, and increasing threat to the oceans, and numerous initiatives aim to address this challenge. Fishing For Litter (FFL) is a voluntary clean-up scheme, where litter is collected as part of routine fishing operations. We surveyed fishers (n = 97) and stakeholders (n = 22) in the UK to investigate perceptions of FFL, its strengths and weaknesses, and potential co-benefits of the scheme. Fishers reported being aware of and concerned about the negative impacts of litter. Overall, FFL was evaluated very positively (7.85/10). In addition, FFL fishers reported less environmentally harmful waste management behaviors both out at sea and in other contexts than did non-FFL fishers. Fishers and stakeholders listed strengths and weaknesses of the scheme and made suggestions for future changes. As well as directly helping to remove litter, this paper demonstrates that clean-up schemes can make a contribution to addressing the underlying causes of marine pollution.
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Examining awareness, attitudes and behaviours of stakeholders in Irish Fishing towards plastic
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Researchers surveyed the Irish fishing community about their awareness and attitudes toward plastic pollution and microplastics, finding that most fishers are aware of the problem and actively remove litter they encounter, but that recycling is hampered by a lack of knowledge and facilities. The study offers the first detailed look at this group's relationship with plastic and points to practical gaps that could be addressed through education and better recycling infrastructure.
Decoding Factors to Fishing for Litter: A Game-Changer for Engaging Fishers in Marine Conservation Initiatives
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Researchers investigated factors influencing fishers' participation in Fishing for Litter (FFL) programs through interviews and surveys of 412 participants, finding that rewards, peer participation, and perceived inconveniences were the strongest predictors of engagement in marine litter removal initiatives.
Fishermen’s participation in marine litter collection schemes in Thailand
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This study examined fishermen's participation in marine litter collection programs in Thailand, exploring motivations, barriers, and the potential for community-based approaches to reduce marine debris. Engaging fishing communities as active participants in cleanup schemes was found to be a promising strategy given their direct dependence on healthy marine environments.
When stakeholders mesh: Management and circularity of end-of-life fishing gear from a network of artisanal fishers
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Old fishing nets and ropes that get abandoned in the ocean don't just disappear—they break down into microplastics that can end up in seafood and, eventually, our bodies. This study shows that a Brazilian program getting local fishers directly involved in collecting and recycling worn-out gear successfully kept nearly 3,000 kg of plastic waste out of the ocean over two years, proving that community-based recycling efforts can make a real dent in marine plastic pollution when paired with supportive policies. The takeaway: cleaner oceans start with practical, people-powered solutions, not just high-tech fixes.
Mitigation approach of plastic and microplastic pollution through recycling of fishing nets at the end of life
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Discarded fishing nets are a major source of ocean plastic pollution, harming marine life and breaking down into microplastics that can enter the food chain and, eventually, our bodies. Scientists found a way to turn these old nets into new durable materials by combining them with other recycled plastics, offering a practical way to keep this waste out of the ocean and landfills. This kind of recycling could help shrink the growing microplastic problem at its source, rather than just cleaning up after it happens.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.