NetTag

From knowledge to action 🌍⚓

The NETTAG+ Final EU Event showcased how cooperation between science, fishers, and policymakers can reduce marine litter and lost fishing gear across Europe and the Mediterranean.

🎬 Relive the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=rmFyDscWPlefFIfj&v=3x4dGkUaOD8&feature=youtu.be

+ Ciimar Associação Pró-Maior Segurança dos Homens do Mar Newcastle University WWF Italia WWF Adria Cadilhe & Santos, Lda. Arvi Innovapesca

NETTAG+ Final event, 14-15 April 2026, Porto On 14–15 April, all EU NETTAG+ partners gathered in Porto to presen...

Better managing marine litter within the fisheries sector requires looking at the full picture — from its sources to the systems needed to manage it effectively.

Within the NETTAG+ projects we did a series of analysis and interviews with relevant port authorities and fishers across countries, and this is what came out:

🔹 A significant share of marine litter originates from maritime activities
🔹 Fishing gear and related plastics are among the most common items retrieved at sea
🔹 Port Reception Facilities play a key role in preventing waste leakage into the ocean
🔹 Large and small ports face different structural challenges in waste management
🔹 Fishers are not only affected by marine litter — they are part of the solution

🔗 Read our policy brief for improved marine waste management in EU ports:https://nettagplus.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PolicyBrief-1-July2025.pdf

Infographic developed together with Bianco Tangerine

+ Arvi Innovapesca Associação Pró-Maior Segurança dos Homens do Mar Aquatic Resources Malta WWF Adria WWF Italia CESAM - Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar

🌊 Ghost fishing gear: the invisible threat haunting our seas - and the solutions already at work.

On 15 April, Póvoa de Varzim (Portugal) hosted the final event of the EU‑funded NETTAG+ project, bringing together fishers, scientists and engineers to mark the conclusion of more than three years of work tackling ghost fishing gear.

The event is now the focus of a new Euronews video feature, which delves into one of the most dangerous and invisible forms of marine pollution: abandoned or lost fishing nets, lines and traps that continue to catch marine life long after they sink to the seabed.

During the event, Euronews interviewed several voices from the project — from fishers directly affected by ghost gear, to researchers developing acoustic tagging systems and underwater robotics to locate and recover lost equipment.

A key message is clear: fishers' experience and active involvement have been central to designing practical solutions, from prevention to recovery and policy recommendations, with relevance for both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

The Euronews feature captures how innovation, cooperation and trust across sectors can help turn the tide on ghost fishing gear 💪

👉 Watch the Euronews video to hear directly from those involved and see the solutions in action:

https://www.euronews.com/2026/04/21/ghost-fishing-gear-the-hidden-threat-at-the-bottom-of-our-seas-and-oceans

+ Associação Pró-Maior Segurança dos Homens do Mar Arvi Innovapesca Aquatic Resources Malta WWF Adria WWF Italia Ciimar Cadilhe & Santos, Lda. Newcastle University

Ghost fishing gear: Trackers and robots help clean up Portugal's seas The NETTAG+ project, funded by the European Union, aims to combat fishing waste and mitigate its effects on marine life.

The second day of our event was dedicated to showcasing the NETTAG+ solutions in action—from technology at sea to tools for awareness, training, and policy impact 🌊⚙️

Despite high waves forcing us to remain within the port, the demonstration delivered real results. The MyGearTag system successfully detected the location of a lost fishing trap, and IRIS was deployed to support its retrieval.
High waves and extreme sea conditions are among the main reasons fishing gear gets lost. Recovering it as quickly as possible is essential to reduce the risk of wildlife entanglement and the release of microplastics and other pollutants into the marine environment.

Beyond the field demonstration, the day also highlighted the full NETTAG+ approach:

🎮 Videogames and VR scenarios to raise awareness and support training
🕶️ Immersive VR experiences to better understand ghost gear impacts
📘 Good Practices Handbook and practical materials developed with and for fishers
📄 Policy briefs translating field experience into concrete recommendations for decision‑makers.

Technology, education, and policy working together—because tackling ghost gear requires solutions at every level.

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After 3 years of intense work across Mediterranean and Atlantic fishing countries, the EU‑funded NETTAG+ project is coming to a close 🌍⚓

Working closely with fishers, researchers, authorities, and industry partners, the project developed and tested technical, operational, and governance solutions to address abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear—and the marine litter it creates 🐟🔧

By combining innovation, participatory approaches, and policy dialogue, NETTAG+ has helped reposition fishers as key actors in tackling marine litter and protecting our ocean 🌊💙

🎥 Watch the video to hear directly from some of the NETTAG+ protagonists:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=_dgN6izp2-zbaIyu&v=H_i60g2WeZ4&feature=youtu.be

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NETTAG+ delivered solutions to tackle marine litter After 3 years of intense activities across Mediterranean and Atlantic fishing countries, the EU NETTAG+ project has reached its conclusion. Throughout its li...

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

🌊 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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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