Research: Assessment of recycling capacity in Scotland for fishing and aquaculture gear

With fishing and aquaculture-related litter making up 32% of all litter recorded on Scottish islands and 12% of litter on mainland Scotland, there is a real need to reduce the amount of waste generated by the sector, increase recycling capabilities and encouraging more sustainable practices around marine materials use.

To support the Scottish Government’s Marine Litter Strategy (2022) and Circular Economy Route Map, and building on our previous research into this area in 2021, our experts have worked on research that builds a better understanding of waste management options.

The research charts where the capability to reprocess plastic fishing and aquaculture gear originating in Scotland exists, how much capacity these facilities hold, and what viable waste management pathways could be expanded upon or introduced in future years.