The surveys will be conducted in person at ports and harbours, and other sites around the UK in August and September.
Seafish
UK seafood organization Seafish has initiated a series of surveys aimed at improving the sustainable management of end-of-life fishing and aquaculture gear.
The surveys, supported by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), seek to address the challenges associated with disposing of old fishing gear, which often ends up in landfills due to the high costs and complexity of recycling.
The initiative will gather insights from stakeholders across the entire gear supply chain, including manufacturers, fishing vessel owners, aquaculture businesses, ports, and waste management companies.
"The research aims to create a better understanding of how waste can be reduced and where further support is needed around collection and recycling to help work towards a more circular economy," Seafish said.
"These surveys are an opportunity for organisations and stakeholders across the supply chain to have their voice heard on how gear is currently managed, including recycling, once it's reached the end-of-life," said Jennifer Robson, Head of Economics, Insight and Advice at Seafish.
"By completing these surveys, you could help shape future policies on how to responsibly manage and recycle end-of-life fishing and aquaculture gear," Robson added.
The surveys will be conducted in person at various locations around the UK, with additional telephone, postal, and online surveys targeting international stakeholders.
The research began in Northern Ireland in late July, and will continue through August and September across Scotland, England, and Wales. Details of locations and dates for in-person surveys around the UK during August and September can be found here.
Interested parties are encouraged to participate by contacting EOLFG.survey@seafish.co.uk. The information provided will be kept strictly confidential and only anonymised results and findings will be used.