End-of-Life and Waste Fishing Gear Policy and Circularity

On 20 & 21 March 2024, the European Commission and the Contracting Parties of the OSPAR Convention organised a workshop on end-of-life and waste fishing gear policy and circularity. 

The objective of the workshop was to share information about implementing measures to manage end-of-life and waste fishing gear and promote circularity. The workshop consisted of presentations and breakout sessions, including on the OSPAR Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter and the requirements for EU Member
States under the Single Use Plastics Directive to set up extended producer responsibility schemes by 2024, define national minimum collection targets for fishing gear, and monitor and report fishing gear.

The workshop also explored the work towards the harmonised standard for the circular design of fishing gear and discussed ambitions for a new International legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.