Based on interviews with stakeholders involved in various stages of the circular economy for fishing gear, from manufacturing to the recycling of end-of-life materials, this project highlights a clear consensus. All stakeholders recognise the importance of collecting and repurposing EOLFG. Across the Nordic countries, significant progress has been observed in areas once cluttered with discarded gear. Some of these locations have since been transformed into attractive natural spaces, showcasing the positive impact of improved waste management.
Despite similarities in fisheries and fishing methods across the Nordic region, the challenges associated with collecting and transporting EOLFG vary considerably between countries. Greenland faces logistical difficulties due to its vast and remote geography, where some coastal settlements receive supplies only a few times a year. Iceland and the Faroe Islands primarily have to contend with the challenge of exporting materials for recycling. Meanwhile, Norway must address gear loss from its extensive coastline and complex inshore systems, which host both commercial and highly active recreational fisheries. These variations underscore the need for tailored, context-specific solutions while emphasising the potential for sharing knowledge and practices across the region.
Although the Nordic countries have made significant strides in managing EOLFG, further improvements are needed, particularly when it comes to quantifying the total amount of fishing gear in use at any given time and ensuring its traceability throughout its lifecycle. Increasing collection and recycling, establishing a mandatory registration system for lost gear, and conducting regular retrieval expeditions to recover accumulated gear from fishing grounds should be prioritised. Achieving these goals requires greater awareness from all stages and implementing a well-managed system that facilitates responsible gear disposal and recovery.
A key step in improving fishing gear management is marking and making gear traceable to its owner (Einarsson et al., 2023). Tracking systems such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging, barcoding, or other digital solutions can link gear ownership to fishers and assist in monitoring fishing gear movements throughout its lifecycle. However, more straightforward tagging methods, such as a basic written tag, could be effective if widely implemented and supported by a well-organised registration system. Most of the Nordic countries have already implemented or are in the process of introducing mandatory fishing gear marking. That said, establishing a comprehensive registration system for in-use fishing gear has not been as strongly emphasised in the debate. Strengthening such systems would improve gear traceability and accountability while supporting efforts to reduce gear loss, prevent ghost fishing, and improve recycling initiatives.
While gear tagging alone may not be a game changer, it would increase awareness among fishers and industry stakeholders significantly. Combined with a structured registration system, it can help reduce gear loss at sea, prevent ghost fishing and marine pollution, and improve material traceability for recycling efforts. Additionally, traceability is crucial for ensuring legal compliance and combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, though IUU fishing is a relatively minor issue in the Nordic region. Strengthening these measures will contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy for fishing gear, ultimately minimising its environmental impact and supporting responsible fisheries management.
As already implemented in Norway, registering accidental gear losses is crucial for enabling systematic follow-ups, such as when cleaning fishing grounds and retrieving lost gear. Incorporating detailed information about the materials used in fishing gear into gear tags and registration systems could further enhance efficiency and value throughout the lifecycle. Such data would facilitate better material sorting, recycling, and the development of standardised, sustainable materials for future gear production.
A particularly challenging issue to address is the loss of small fragments of fishing gear, which are often overlooked, complex to register, and sometimes impossible to recover. Identifying the components that cause environmental harm is essential, followed by the development of improved materials. A notable example is the dolly rope used on trawl codends, which inevitably sheds fragments during use. These fragments have been found in significant quantities in marine ecosystems, where they pose a threat to wildlife.
Despite these challenges, the Nordic countries have developed unique strengths within the circular economy. Greenland has implemented effective logistics for collecting EOLFG from remote locations. The Faroe Islands have established facilities for collecting, storing, and processing EOLFG for future recycling. Iceland has successfully developed a recycling pathway through the Recycling Fund, and Norway has established an exemplary system for registering gear loss and conducting organised annual retrieval missions. Together, a collaborative effort across the Nordic countries could serve as a global example of how to adopt and promote circular economy practices in fisheries, reducing environmental impact while maximising resource efficiency.
While significant progress has been made in EOLFG management in the Nordic region, there is still room for improvement. The following section presents key recommendations and ideas for advancing towards a more sustainable fishing gear lifecycle across the region.