Improving waste management

Following RED-USE project, the Spanish Fisheries Confederation (CEPESCA) initiated the REDUSE-II project, focusing on circular economy solutions for responsible fishing gear and net management. Engaging stakeholders, from producers to consumers, the initiative introduces 'extended producer responsibility' for sustainable material treatment and processing throughout their useful life cycle.

Developed entirely by CEPESCA, the project partnered with port authorities (responsible for port management) and shipowner associations (owners of collected gear) to sign 17 collaboration agreements, facilitating fishing net collection. Port infrastructure and waste collection models in 15 representative ports were analysed, with net collection carried out in 10 of them. Shipowners’ associations facilitated the identification and storage of recovered gear, while port authorities authorised activities in their respective locations. The project resulted in a strategy proposal to expand waste management efforts to ports and other entities, delivering social, environmental, and economic benefits.