Fishermen from Foyle Fishermen’s Co-op based in Co. Donegal, Ireland, have become members of the BIM Fishing For Litter (FFL) programme.
Funded under the European Maritime Fisheries Fund, the simple but effective programme provides fishermen with bags to collect marine litter while fishing and bring it ashore for appropriate disposal and recycling on land.
All seven fishing vessels in the Co-op have signed up to the environmental initiative, highlighting their commitment to greener fishing policies.
“There is a pride among fishermen and the local community here in Greencastle and this pride will continue to drive our focus on environmental responsibility,” said John O’Kane, manager of Foyle Fishermen’s Co-op.
BIM’s chief executive, Jim O’Toole said that environmental sustainability is a priority for BIM and the fishing industry.
“Participation in this initiative can gain recognition for member vessels and their crews as Fishing for Litter contributes to BIM’s Certification and Sustainability programmes and Bord Bia’s Origin Green sustainability charter,” he said.
In close conjunction with Donegal County Council and the harbour management, Greencastle fishing port is already a significant contributor to BIM’s ‘Fishing Net Recycling’ programme where nets are dismantled into components for recycling, diverted away from landfill. To date, the port has recycled six tonnes of fishing nets.
There are currently five fishing ports participating in BIM’s Fishing for Litter programme with a total of three more expected to come on board this year. The programme has already resulted in the retrieval of 10 tonnes of marine waste.
