Although challenges persist, efforts to recycle and reuse materials from fishing gear in the Nordic countries are progressing as part of circular economy initiatives. A key issue is the degradation of material strength from recycled fishing gear made from synthetic materials such as nylon and polyethylene, which often limits its reuse. Additionally, many types of fishing gear contain mixed materials, such as various plastics and metals, which complicates recycling (CINEA, 2023).
There are several challenges with recycling materials that originate from used fishing gear. For example, recycling synthetic materials such as nylon and polyethylene is hindered by contamination and the degradation of material strength after multiple recycling cycles. The recycled materials often need to meet the high standards required for certain fishing operations, limiting their reuse. Additionally, fishing gear is often made of mixed materials. Material flow analysis (MFA) has been applied in Norway to assess the plastic waste generated from commercial fishing gear, providing vital data on how these materials flow through the economy and highlighting the inefficiencies in collection and recycling systems (Deshpande et al., 2023). Despite these challenges, experience from Norway’s retrieval programme for lost fishing gear demonstrates that reuse can make a significant contribution to the circular economy. By 2024, 50% of recovered fishing gear was successfully returned to its owners for reuse, highlighting the practical potential of gear recovery programmes in extending the lifespan of fishing gear and reducing overall waste.
The main challenge when it comes to reusing fishing gear is ensuring the strength of the materials after mechanical recycling. Plastic recycled from fishing gear often has weaker tensile strength than virgin plastics, especially when subjected to harsh marine conditions. This affects their viability in the manufacture of durable, high-stress gear such as trawl nets or gillnets. Nonetheless, technological advancements and blending processes are being researched to maintain the mechanical properties of recycled materials. MFA studies in Norway have underscored the importance of understanding how material strength degrades through the value chain, providing insights into where recycled materials can be effectively reused (Deshpande et al., 2023).
Although recycling rates for collected fishing gear are improving, the total amount of circulated fishing gear remains relatively low. An unknown quantity of fishing gear is lost at sea or discarded without being collected for recycling. According to an MFA conducted in Norway, there are significant inefficiencies in the recycling process, primarily due to the high costs of collecting, transporting, and processing old fishing gear, especially from remote communities (Deshpande et al., 2023). These costs often outweigh the potential savings from using recycled materials, making virgin plastics a more attractive option for many manufacturers.
The fishing industry is exploring ways to standardise gear design for easier recycling and incorporate marine biodegradable materials where feasible to improve recycling rates. In addition, efforts are being made to reuse components such as gillnets, floats, and lead lines, which can be repurposed even when the primary gear reaches the end of its life. While full recycling of most fishing gear remains challenging, reusing specific components is more practical. Nylon, for example, which is commonly used in gillnets, can be recycled if it is relatively free from biomaterial contamination. Similarly, lead from lead lines is often melted down and repurposed into new products, significantly reducing the waste stream from discarded gear. The MFA study in Norway (Deshpande et al., 2023) highlights the potential for expanding these reuse practices by enhancing collection and sorting infrastructure.
The use of recycled materials and the reuse of fishing gear components are critical for reducing the environmental impact of the fishing industry. However, they require ongoing advancements in recycling technologies and more cost-effective solutions. MFA studies such as those conducted in Norway provide valuable data on the plastic waste generated by commercial fishing gear, offering a roadmap for improving the circular economy in this sector (Deshpande et al., 2023). As collaboration between industry stakeholders grows, the Nordic countries are poised to lead in developing sustainable fishing practices that minimise the need for virgin plastics and improve recycling rates.