Developing a Circular Economy for Fishing Gear in the Northern Periphery and Arctic Region: Challenges and Opportunities

There is growing concern regarding the extent and impact of marine litter waste. One particularly troublesome ocean waste fraction consists of abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, including fishing nets. The relentless increase of marine litter is particularly pertinent to countries of Northern Europe and the Arctic region, which currently have limited business opportunities and associated supply chains capable of recycling or reusing this material. In this chapter, we outline the difficulties and opportunities in establishing a circular economy for fishing nets in Northern Europe and the Arctic, with a focus on experience and successful practices established through transnational and collaborative projects.