‘Fishing for Litter’ initiative

Fishermen in Clogherhead, Castletownbere and Union Hall are taking part in a BIM pilot initiative that encourages fishermen to collect litter they bring up in their nets and to take it ashore. Armed with heavy-duty bags to collect this litter, fishermen then dispose of it appropriately on the quayside.

Participating skipper, Alan Smith, Clogherhead

“This scheme underpins the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) – Europe’s legislation that supports the protection and sustainable use of the marine environment. A key objective is to reduce plastic in the ocean which this scheme can do at a very practical level,” explained Michael Keatinge, BIM’s Director of Fisheries Development.

Alan Smith, skipper of Clogherhead-based Celtic Warrior, explains how it works:

“We have the bag set near the conveyor and it’s easy for the crew to pick out the marine litter and throw it into the bag as they pick out the catch. We work with the Clogherhead Development Group to keep the pier tidy and are happy to do our part to also keep our fishing grounds clean and healthy.”

Fishermen working out of Clogherhead, Union Hall and Castletownbere wishing to join the scheme should contact BIM project officer, Catherine Barrett, on [email protected] or 087 289 7651; Oliver Kirawan (Clogherhead) 086 830 7331, or the Harbour Master in Union Hall and Castletownbere.