Sciacca fishing fleet launches marine waste collection project

Forty fishing vessels from the Sciacca fleet have joined a new initiative to collect, recover, and dispose of marine waste and lost fishing gear. The project, promoted by the GALP ‘Il Sole e l’Azzurro’ in the area between Selinunte, Sciacca, and Vigata, is funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (FEAMPA) in collaboration with the Sicilian Regional Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Mediterranean Fisheries.

Starting November 3, participating vessels are required to collect waste during five sea outings and transfer it to the port. A specialized company will then manage the collection and transport of the materials to authorized disposal centers.

During a seminar held for shipowners, representatives from GALP and the Co. Ge. Pa. consortium highlighted challenges facing the industry, specifically the lack of clear regulations regarding marine waste recovery and the significant costs associated with disposing of materials accidentally retrieved during fishing activities.