World Maritime Day, marked annually on the last Thursday in September, highlights the vital role of international shipping to global trade, the economy, and sustainable development. This year’s theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” underscores our shared responsibility to protect and manage marine resources.
The Western Development Commission (WDC) is proud to contribute to this global effort through the EU-funded Blue Circular Nets (CIRCNETS) project. CIRCNETS supports international work to tackle plastic pollution by ensuring end-of-life (EOL) fishing gear is collected, treated, and recycled. This prevents harmful plastics from degrading the marine environment and transforms waste into valuable resources.
Since January 2025, the EU’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, mandated by the Single-Use Plastics Directive, has required producers of fishing gear to finance its end-of-life management. This measure is a key step in reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.
On 9 September, WDC, the University of Galway, and the Clean Technology Centre co-hosted a workshop at the University of Galway exploring the economic potential of EOL fishing gear. The event brought together representatives from government departments, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the fishing industry, recyclers, and net producers to discuss the challenges and opportunities around EOL products in Ireland. Attendees heard an update on the progress made in establishing a national producer responsibility organisation for fishing gear containing plastic, along with the next steps for rolling out the EPR scheme across Ireland.
CIRCNETS not only tackles marine pollution, it also advances the WDC’s strategy Unlocking Potential, Driving Change (2025–2029). By driving circular economy practices in the marine sector, the project strengthens communities, creates new enterprise opportunities, builds cross-sector partnerships, and positions the Western Region as a testbed for social innovation.
By supporting innovation in recycling and reuse of end-of-life fishing gear, CIRCNETS reflects the spirit of this year’s World Maritime Day theme: turning obligation into opportunity for cleaner, safer seas.
WDC acknowledges the valuable contributions of partners including the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Údarás na Gaeltachta, University of Galway, Clean Technology Centre, IFF Plastics, and Ship, Nets and Wire.
