NetTag

🌊 Ghost fishing gear: the invisible threat haunting our seas - and the solutions already at work.

On 15 April, Póvoa de Varzim (Portugal) hosted the final event of the EU‑funded NETTAG+ project, bringing together fishers, scientists and engineers to mark the conclusion of more than three years of work tackling ghost fishing gear.

The event is now the focus of a new Euronews video feature, which delves into one of the most dangerous and invisible forms of marine pollution: abandoned or lost fishing nets, lines and traps that continue to catch marine life long after they sink to the seabed.

During the event, Euronews interviewed several voices from the project — from fishers directly affected by ghost gear, to researchers developing acoustic tagging systems and underwater robotics to locate and recover lost equipment.

A key message is clear: fishers' experience and active involvement have been central to designing practical solutions, from prevention to recovery and policy recommendations, with relevance for both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

The Euronews feature captures how innovation, cooperation and trust across sectors can help turn the tide on ghost fishing gear 💪

👉 Watch the Euronews video to hear directly from those involved and see the solutions in action:

https://www.euronews.com/2026/04/21/ghost-fishing-gear-the-hidden-threat-at-the-bottom-of-our-seas-and-oceans

+ Associação Pró-Maior Segurança dos Homens do Mar Arvi Innovapesca Aquatic Resources Malta WWF Adria WWF Italia Ciimar Cadilhe & Santos, Lda. Newcastle University

Ghost fishing gear: Trackers and robots help clean up Portugal's seas The NETTAG+ project, funded by the European Union, aims to combat fishing waste and mitigate its effects on marine life.

🌊 Day 1 of the NETTAG+ Final Event (14–15 April 2026) 🌊

The first day of the NETTAG+ final event brought together almost 50 participants from research, public institutions, businesses, NGOs, and the fisheries sector. Together, we showcased concrete solutions to tackle marine litter and ghost gear, including key recommendations to improve waste management in ports and to better incentivise fishers to contribute to marine litter reduction.

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As + approaches its conclusion, we are pleased to announce its Final Event, taking place on 14–15 April 2026 in Vila do Conde & Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal.

Over the past years, NETTAG+ has developed and tested innovative solutions to prevent, avoid and mitigate the environmental impacts of fishing gear and associated marine litter. The Final Event will represent a key moment to present these results, while fostering dialogue among stakeholders working to address one of the most persistent challenges affecting marine ecosystems.

The two-day programme will open with a scientific workshop structured around the three NETTAG+ solutions — PREVENT, AVOID & MITIGATE — bringing together researchers, policymakers and representatives of EU-funded projects. The workshop will start with a keynote lecture by Professor Mike Elliott of the University of Hull, followed by thematic panels addressing key topics such as fisher engagement, litter management in ports, reward mechanisms, acoustic technologies to reduce gear loss, and innovative tools for detecting and recovering ALDFG. The discussion will be also enriched by solutions developed by partner projects like FreeLitterAt, SEARCULAR, and SeaClear1 & 2.0.

On the second day, together with the NETTAG+ technology developers, we will head out to sea for a real‑life demonstration of how the MyGearTag and IRIS robotic systems can help tackle ghost gear. For those staying onshore, there will be the opportunity to explore the project’s outputs, including technological solutions, educational tools, VR experience and discuss policy measures.

The NETTAG+ Final Event has received endorsement from the UN Ocean Decade, recognising its contribution to advancing collaborative solutions for healthier oceans.

By fostering knowledge exchange, building synergies and strengthening networks across initiatives, the NETTAG+ Final Event aims to contribute to a lasting legacy, supporting the continued uptake of effective solutions to address marine litter from fisheries at EU level.

Ciimar WWF Italia INESC TEC Newcastle University Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Aquatic Resources Malta Arvi Innovapesca WWF Adria Cadilhe & Santos, Lda. EU Maritime & Fish EU Science & Innovation