On Wednesday 29 August, the fisheries committee of the European Parliament will discuss the role that fishermen can play in tackling the problem of plastic waste dispersal in the sea (see EUROPE 12028).
The members of the committee will be informed of the draft opinion by Renata Briano (S&D, Italy) intended for the committee on the environment, public health and food safety, regarding the proposal for a directive on reducing the environmental impact of certain plastic products.
In relation to fishing gear, the proposal brings in extended producer responsibility schemes and awareness-raising measures. The extended producer responsibility schemes will ensure better management of fishing gear waste, covering the costs of treatment of such waste.
In the draft opinion, Briano considers that the extended producer responsibility schemes must be complemented by a “modulated tariff” that encourages the marketing of fishing gear designed to be long-lasting, reusable and recyclable, in line with EU law on waste. The plastic components of fishing gear have a high recycling potential which is currently not exploited.
The extended producer responsibility schemes for fishing gear include measures set out in the proposal relating to port facilities for the collection of waste from ships, by reducing the financial burden on ports and, consequently, also on operators in the fisheries sector. It is therefore crucial, the rapporteur says, to have consistency between the two directives.
The draft opinion highlights the need to ensure that all ports used by fishing boats should have appropriate facilities for the collection and processing of waste passively picked up while fishing and that, in line with the polluter-pays principle, operators in the fisheries sector should not incur additional costs as a result of these operations. This will give the fishermen yet another incentive to bring waste fishing gear and passively fished waste back to shore, Briano states.
Finally, as far as the research for alternative materials is concerned, Briano trusts that the EU will adopt a clear definition of biodegradable plastic and bio-based plastic, as well as harmonised standards on biodegradability, particularly marine biodegradability, and on compostability, with a view to providing a clear and uniform legal framework.
Discarded, lost or rejected fishing gear represent around 27% of marine waste, i.e. the equivalent of 11,000 tonnes per year.
The fisheries committee is expected to vote on this opinion on 24 September, while the report in the environment committee is due to be endorsed on 10 October. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)