Virtuous models and good practices to collect, recycle and reuse marine litter

The recycling and reuse of marine litter is an increasingly urgent issue, and several virtuous models and best practices are emerging across the planet. These models not only help reduce marine pollution but can also contribute to developing a circular economy that benefits the community and the environment. Many fishermen in Europe are actively involved in the collection of marine litter during their daily activities and this is of fundamental importance because, in addition to reducing marine pollution, it encourages the direct involvement of local communities. 

Starting from projects already completed and those underway, the event will tend to explore initiatives and good practices related to:

- The creation of recycling centers in ports. All ports can be transformed into specialized collection points for marine litter. These centers, with the support of local administrations, multiutilities and NGOs, can separate and treat the recovered waste, differentiating it by material and thus facilitating recovery and recycling;
- Innovative use of marine litter. The transformation of plastic into new products. Plastics recovered from the sea are transformed into new materials through upcycling processes. For example, some companies and startups have developed technologies to transform abandoned fishing nets (ghost nets) and other recovered plastics into objects such as glasses, socks, accessories, or even fabrics for the fashion industry;
- New fishing gear. Some countries are developing economic models based on the reuse of marine litter, creating small and medium-sized businesses that transform collected waste into new resources. In Iceland, for example, some cooperatives are working with abandoned fishing nets to produce new materials for the construction of fishing gear.
- Creating markets for recycled materials. Creating markets for recycled materials from the sea (such as plastic, fishing nets, and metal) is becoming increasingly important. Some certification programs can help ensure that recycled materials are used responsibly and are recognized in the market.

Marine litter management is a complex issue, but through a combination of innovative technologies, responsible public policies, and good practices in the fisheries sector and port management, it is possible to create virtuous models that not only combat marine pollution but also contribute to the development of a circular economy.

Session Chair

Massimo Bellavista, Legacoop Agroalimentare, Project Manager Lavoratori del Mare Cooperative

Program 

16.30 Introduction by the Chairman, Massimo Bellavista

16.45 Intervention by Anna Montini, Blue Economy Councillor of Rimini Municipality

17.00 Waste Management in fishing ports: policy review between Italian and Croatian Ports

17.30 Croatian best practice for the marine litter
Matko Bašić, Technical Director Cian

17.40 Cleaning the Adriatic Sea
Luca Barani, Sea The Change

17.50 LAB-MAR: laboratory for the prevention and recovery of marine litter
Maria Caldero, Fundacion Fundamar

18.00 The Italian policies against marine litter
Simona Rossi, Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security

18.10 Intervention by representative of Croatian Ministry (TBC)

Discussion and closure by the Chairman