BPF supports Commission proposals for fishermen to catch plastic

EU Fishing Commissioner Maria Damanaki has proposed paying fishermen to catch plastic, rather than fish, to provide fishermen with income and reduce pressure on dwindling EU fish stocks.

Mrs Damanaki will on 20th May attend the demonstration in Cap Ferrat harbour of EUPC's (European Union of Plastics Converters) trawl, designed to collect floating waste in coastal waters.

Peter Davis Director-General of the BPF and a member of EUPC's Steering Committee will also be attending the demonstration at Cap Ferrat said, “Its most encouraging to have the Commissioner's support for EUPC's initiative. About 14% of the litter on UK beaches is fishing related so we need the active involvement of all fishermen to tackle this problem. The Plastics Industry does not litter beaches or illegally dump in the sea we want the plastics back for recycling or energy. Nevertheless we wish to work with all stakeholders to prevent plastics getting into the marine environment and the EUPC trawl is one of several plastic industry initiatives underway.