Award of CR/2020/03 - Aquaculture Gear Inventory and Disposal Management

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Introduction 1. Marine Scotland's purpose is to manage Scotland's seas for prosperity and environmental sustainability, working closely with our key delivery partners and others. The Marine Planning and Policy Division is responsible for ensuring the sustainable development of Scotland’s marine area. Marine Litter policy sits within the Marine Conservation team which leads on the protection of marine habitats and species and the ecosystems that support them, so that society continues to enjoy the natural goods and resources provided by our seas. Our work is framed by the Marine Litter Strategy which includes taking action to prevent marine litter and remove litter which is already present. This research is required to inform policy development to improve waste management in the fishing sector, growing our circular economy and encouraging behaviour change to reduce marine litter. 2. Background & Context 3. The Scottish Government has made several commitments to help tackle marine industry litter including; Programme for Government - work with the fishing industry to reduce marine litter, British-Irish Council - consider how to improve collection and recycling opportunities for end of life fishing gear, and implementation of the EU Single Use Plastics Directive which includes an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for fishing gear, including aquaculture. 4. In order to inform policy and design better waste management schemes for the aquaculture sector, it is essential that there is a clear understanding of the type, quantity, distribution, average lifespan of related plastic gear and current disposal routes. This includes gear that is in use, in storage and on order. Information will also include material (polymer) type as this determines future waste handling.