This comprehensive report examines waste management practices aboard fishing vessels in the Mediterranean Sea. It analyzes the significant problem of Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), commonly known as “ghost gear”, and other waste streams, highlighting their severe ecological and socio-economic impacts.
The review covers common waste sources, the existing regulatory frameworks (including MARPOL, the Barcelona Convention, and GFCM resolutions), and the status of Port Reception Facilities (PRFs). It identifies critical data gaps, particularly concerning small-scale fisheries, and proposes strategies for prevention, recovery, and recycling. The report concludes that harmonized regulations, improved infrastructure, and regional cooperation are essential for mitigating marine litter and promoting sustainable fisheries in the Mediterranean.
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