In 2004 KIMO International started a simple yet imaginative project to tackle the problem of marine litter. Fishing for Litter aims to reduce marine litter by involving one of the key stakeholders, the fishing industry. Fishing boats are given large bags to collect the plastics, ghost gear and other debris that gathers in their nets during normal fishing activities. When the fishing boats come into port, they can unload the bags of litter. These bags are collected regularly and the rubbish is recycled or disposed of on land. All the fishermen who participate in the project are volunteers. On a daily basis, they are out at sea removing rubbish from the ocean.
Result? Cleaner seas, cleaner beaches and a healthier marine environment.