SEARCULAR

SEARCULAR is an international research and innovation project involving 13 industry specialists and research organisations across Europe. The project is coordinated by Spanish research institute AZTI and aims to work with fishermen and women, netmakers and ports to reduce marine litter generated by #fishing gear at source. By testing and refining four circular solutions to plastic waste, SEARCULAR is helping to support sustainable livelihoods and healthy marine ecosystems. Three solutions use more sustainable materials as alternatives to the traditional plastics used in fishing gear, and one solution helps ports to recycle fishing gear after use. Together, these holistic approaches can give gear a new lease of life and enhance sustainability in the fishing industry. Our aim? To reduce marine litter and microplastics generated by European fisheries, and facilitate a circular economy for fishing gear. We hope to achieve this by sharing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling products and materials in a loop. We will work directly with the fishing industry to build acceptance and promote uptake of innovative, smart and sustainable fishing gear solutions. Email us at: info@searcular.eu SEARCULAR is funded by the European Union. The project has also received funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency or UKRI. Neither the European Union, the granting authority nor UKRI can be held responsible for them.