Inspection of end-of-life fishing gear collection containers on Hiiumaa; 31.07.2026

During the last week of July, the project COREEL lead partner KEST inspected the end-of-life fishing gear collection containers placed in Kärdla and Orjaku harbour on Hiiumaa.

The aim of the inspection was to assess what types of netting and other end-of-life fishing gear had been deposited in the containers during April-July, estimate the quantities collected and evaluate whether the collected materials could be suitable for reuse or material recycling.

The inspection also provided useful information about the condition and composition of the collected fishing gear and will help determine the most appropriate methods for cleaning, dismantling, pre-processing and sorting the different materials.

At the time of the inspection, both collection containers were approximately half full, showing that fishermen and harbour users are actively making use of the dedicated collection points. As sufficient capacity still remains, KEST decided to continue the collection period for another two months. After the extended collection period, KEST and project COREEL partners will clean, dismantle, pre-process and sort the collected fishing gear. The different material fractions will then be assessed for further processing, with the aim of identifying opportunities for reuse and material recycling wherever possible.

These activities support the project’s broader objective of developing practical solutions for the collection and sustainable handling of end-of-life and derelict fishing gear in the EstLat programme area.