Conclusion

This chapter discusses the findings from this book and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address plastic pollution in fisheries and aquaculture (F&A) within a sustainable circular economy (SCE) by gathering the insights from the various chapters. Utilising the DPSIR model (Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, Response), we identify critical drivers for change, such as global seafood market demand and the versatility, low cost, and durability of plastic. Our life cycle approach reveals emissions associated with plastics from raw material acquisition to end-of-life, emphasising the significant pressure posed by plastic accumulation in marine environments. This accumulation contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss, and potential health risks for humans due to microplastic contamination. Our analysis indicates that existing EU and Norwegian regulations often fall short of SCE criteria, though overarching strategies align more effectively with these principles. We propose forming an advisory body of cross-sector experts to guide F&A initiatives in line with SCE principles. In the short term, enhancing transparency and establishing precise reporting requirements for plastic flows in fisheries and aquaculture is vital, as well as improvements in recycling by establishing pre-sorting facilities to increase the amount that is recycled. Over the medium term (two to five years), focus should shift to policy coordination. Long-term strategies (five to ten years and beyond) must prioritise environmental and social sustainability as a core policy objective, potentially reducing production levels to help bridge the gap between strategy and effective policy implementation.