Marine plastic waste : the study submitted to FranceAgriMer
Plastic waste from fishing and aquaculture activities : Elcimaï Environnement and Odyssée Développement have submitted their study to FranceAgriMer
Both on land and at sea, France is committed to reducing its plastic waste, using less plastic in the manufacture of its products, and promoting recycling and reuse.
The volume of marine plastic waste is estimated at approximately 4,600 tons per year in France : nets, bottom trawls, pots and traps, longlines and dredges, onboard equipment (buoys, pot gloves, etc.), oyster bags, collectors, and items used in aquaculture farms (buoys, ropes, etc.). At various stages of their life cycle (wear and tear, end of use, or loss at sea), all this equipment generates plastic waste. In addition to the waste generated by their own activities, fishermen collect plastic waste at sea that does not belong to them.
The impact of all this waste is multifaceted : financial loss for fishermen, hazards for recreational boating, impacts on underwater flora and fauna, consumption of non-renewable resources, and more. It is now essential for the industry to meet sustainability requirements
FranceAgriMer, the national agency for agricultural and marine products, aims to propose actions to reduce this waste and its impact within the framework of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. FranceAgriMer has drawn on the expertise of Elcimaï Environnement (consulting and engineering in the field of the circular economy and ecological transition) and Odyssée Développement (maritime economy), two subsidiaries of the Elcimaï Group, as well as Sabine Meneut, a consultant specializing in the recovery and organization of fishing gear collection, to conduct a study.
The purpose of this study is to assist public authorities responsible for managing European funds in developing an action plan to reduce the environmental impact of marine debris in the fishing and aquaculture sectors. It is based on an assessment of plastic waste hotspots and an inventory of needs and expectations at the national and regional levels, and results in a prioritized and detailed action plan.
“The ultimate goal is to establish local circular economy loops centered on eco-design, reuse, collection, and recovery of plastic waste from used fishing gear and aquaculture equipment, while ensuring a sustainable supply chain and a positive social impact,”
concludes Olivier Perrin, Circular Economy and Blue Economy Consultant at Elcimaï Environnement.
About FranceAgriMer :
A forum for exchange, strategic reflection, and decision-making for France’s agriculture and fisheries sectors. FranceAgriMer is a paying agency recognized by government authorities, local governments, and professionals in the agriculture, agri-food, and fisheries sectors for its management of both European and national aid.
As a public administrative institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, it informs, guides, and supports industry stakeholders :
- implements national and European technical and financial support programs and manages market regulation mechanisms ;
- monitors markets and provides economic and technical expertise, for example by contributing to technical cooperation initiatives and the international development of sectors ;
- facilitates dialogue, consultation, and the implementation of public policies through dedicated bodies (specialized councils).