NetTag

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Preventing marine litter from fisheries

29/05/2026

This morning, we had the great opportunity to present the results of the NETTAG+ project to the Portuguese Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea Salvador Malheiro at Associação Pró-Maior Segurança dos Homens do Mar.

We discussed how to build on the project's achievements and continue advancing solutions to tackle marine litter from fisheries. A key topic was the importance of involving fishers from the very beginning, recognising their knowledge, experience and essential role in preventing and reducing marine litter.

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Ciimar INESC TEC Missionoceanwaters EU Maritime & Fish

28/05/2026

🌊 Day 1 of the NETTAG+ Final Event (14–15 April 2026) 🌊

The first day of the NETTAG+ final event brought together almost 50 participants from research, public institutions, businesses, NGOs, and the fisheries sector. Together, we showcased concrete solutions to tackle marine litter and ghost gear, including key recommendations to improve waste management in ports and to better incentivise fishers to contribute to marine litter reduction.

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30/04/2026

Ghost gear is a major challenge for the fishing sector.

Lost fishing equipment can cause serious environmental damage, economic losses, and safety risks at sea.

As Juan Pablo Pérez Gómez, and NETTAG+ partner, explains, tackling this issue means addressing a problem that affects both ecosystems and livelihoods — with fishers actively involved in the solution.

🔗 Discover how is tackling ghost gear: nettagplus.eu

10/04/2026

As + approaches its conclusion, we are pleased to announce its Final Event, taking place on 14–15 April 2026 in Vila do Conde & Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal.

Over the past years, NETTAG+ has developed and tested innovative solutions to prevent, avoid and mitigate the environmental impacts of fishing gear and associated marine litter. The Final Event will represent a key moment to present these results, while fostering dialogue among stakeholders working to address one of the most persistent challenges affecting marine ecosystems.

The two-day programme will open with a scientific workshop structured around the three NETTAG+ solutions — PREVENT, AVOID & MITIGATE — bringing together researchers, policymakers and representatives of EU-funded projects. The workshop will start with a keynote lecture by Professor Mike Elliott of the University of Hull, followed by thematic panels addressing key topics such as fisher engagement, litter management in ports, reward mechanisms, acoustic technologies to reduce gear loss, and innovative tools for detecting and recovering ALDFG. The discussion will be also enriched by solutions developed by partner projects like FreeLitterAt, SEARCULAR, and SeaClear1 & 2.0.

On the second day, together with the NETTAG+ technology developers, we will head out to sea for a real‑life demonstration of how the MyGearTag and IRIS robotic systems can help tackle ghost gear. For those staying onshore, there will be the opportunity to explore the project’s outputs, including technological solutions, educational tools, VR experience and discuss policy measures.

The NETTAG+ Final Event has received endorsement from the UN Ocean Decade, recognising its contribution to advancing collaborative solutions for healthier oceans.

By fostering knowledge exchange, building synergies and strengthening networks across initiatives, the NETTAG+ Final Event aims to contribute to a lasting legacy, supporting the continued uptake of effective solutions to address marine litter from fisheries at EU level.

Ciimar WWF Italia INESC TEC Newcastle University Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Aquatic Resources Malta Arvi Innovapesca WWF Adria Cadilhe & Santos, Lda. EU Maritime & Fish EU Science & Innovation

20/03/2026

+ at European Ocean Days | Voices from the project 🎥

What if policymakers could see marine litter through the eyes of fishers?

At the European Ocean Days in Brussels, the + project explored new ways to bridge science, technology and policy.

In this video, Marina Astudillo-Pascual (Universidade de Santiago de Compostela) from NETTAG+ explains how the project is working directly with fishing communities to test solutions that can prevent fishing gear loss and reduce marine litter.

“Right now I’m on a fishing boat, part of the crew, testing which solutions NETTAG+ can bring to fishers to prevent the damage caused by marine litter.”

From technological tools like MyGearTag to social initiatives such as the Fisher Rewards programme, the project combines innovation with real-world testing alongside fishers.

But technology alone is not enough.

NETTAG+ is also experimenting with virtual reality to help policymakers better understand the real impact of marine litter at sea.

“We want to bring this information to policymakers in a different way. Something that can trigger an emotional reaction.”

Through immersive experience, emotional storytelling, and data visualization, the project the project is exploring whether new communication tools can help build stronger support for solutions that protect our seas.

Learn more on www.nettagplus.eu

Missionoceanwaters

17/03/2026

+ at European Ocean Days | Voices from the project 🌊

Preventing fishing gear loss requires more than technology. It requires collaboration.

At the European Ocean Days in Brussels, Stefania Campogianni from WWF Mediterranean shared how the EU + project has brought together scientists, researchers, technology developers, fishing gear producers and NGOs to co-design practical solutions to tackle marine litter at its source.

A central element of the project has been working directly with fishing communities, testing new technologies in real conditions and adapting them based on fishers’ feedback.

Through this collaborative process, NETTAG+ has developed both technological tools and policy recommendations to help prevent fishing gear loss and support their adoption at community level.

The next step is scaling these solutions.

As Stefania explains: �“What we need now is policymakers, investors and communities to come on board with us to put these solutions in place.”

Missionoceanwaters

13/03/2026

+ at European Ocean Days | Voices from the project 🐟

Solutions for fishers work best when fishers help design them.

At the European Ocean Days in Brussels, Sandra S. Ramos and Lisa Sousa, researchers from Ciimar – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research highlighted how the + project is developing practical solutions to tackle marine litter in the fisheries sector.

From preventing the loss of fishing gear to mitigating ghost gear already present in the ocean, the project combines technological innovation with close collaboration with fishing communities.

“Fishers are active partners in all the solutions we are developing.”

Throughout the project, fishing communities have helped improve the technologies by providing feedback and testing solutions in real-world fishing conditions.

They have also participated in workshops, demonstration events and awareness activities, ensuring that the solutions developed within NETTAG+ are practical, effective and grounded in everyday realities at sea.

Because protecting our seas requires science, innovation and the knowledge of those who live from the sea.

Learn more on nettagplus.eu

10/03/2026

At the in Brussels, we welcomed visitors to our stand to showcase the + innovative solutions to tackle marine litter and lost fishing gear and support the implementation of the EU Mission Ocean and Waters.

Participants had the opportunity to explore the:
🔊 MyGearTag, the acoustic system designed to identify and locate lost fishing gear
🥽 an immersive VR experience highlighting the impacts of marine litter
🎮 an interactive game for children on preventing fishing gear loss and marine litter.

Together with our partners, we are developing practical tools, policy recommendations and collaborative solutions to support fishers and port authorities across European sea basins to reduce marine litter at its source.

Learn more: nettagplus.eu

06/03/2026

How can technology help tackle lost fishing gear?

In this reel, Prof. Jeffrey Neasham from Newcastle University introduces MyGearTag, the acoustic system developed within + to identify and locate lost fishing gear.

By improving traceability and recovery, the system contributes to reducing marine litter and protecting marine ecosystems.

🎥 Watch the reel to learn more.

missionocean
More info: nettagplus.eu

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Website

http://nettagplus.eu/

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