The FishNoWaste project addresses the issue of managing passively caught marine litter in fishing ports of Croatia and Italy. The project is implemented within the Interreg Italy–Croatia programme and promotes joint activities for a cleaner Adriatic Sea. From May 27 to 29, 2025, the third partner meeting took place, with gatherings organized in Split and in two Croatian fishing ports – Tribunj and Brižine.
Partners reviewed the project’s progress, organized an Advisory Board, planned future activities, and exchanged field experiences. By visiting the fishing ports, all project partners gained insight into the functioning of waste management in two ports and became acquainted with the obstacles and challenges that arise. This practical insight further motivated all participants for continued work.
Working meeting in Split
The first day of the meeting was held at the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Split, where representatives of partner organizations discussed project progress. They talked about how project activities are progressing and how are they doing with the results set for the project.
Special attention was given to developing a joint model for collecting and disposing of marine litter, which will be tested in two Croatian and two Italian ports. The project also aims to educate fishermen and the public on the importance of reducing marine litter, reuse, and recycling so that we can all help preserve the environment.
– This project isn’t just about marine litter. It’s about the people who live from and for the sea. The goal is to establish a systematic and well-functioning waste management system on land. If we also have good education for fishermen and systems that support them, we have a real chance for change,- said Tea Kuzmičić Rosandić, project manager at Sunce.
Tribunj field visit
The second day was dedicated to a field visit to Tribunj, allowing partners to see real conditions and challenges in fishing ports. The tour of the Adria fishing cooperative and the port infrastructure in Tribunj provided a concrete look at waste management practices in the field.
In Tribunj, fishermen bring ashore marine litter that ends up in their nets, and the Adria Fishing Cooperative then records, sorts, and disposes of it—all at their own expense.
– In just one day, we can pull up to 10 kilograms of marine litter,- said Leonardo Mijat, a fisherman from Tribunj.
– Marine litter doesn’t belong in the sea but in a container. That’s the message every fisherman in Tribunj confirms daily through their example. All data on collected marine litter is sent to the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Split for scientific research,- said Matea Lovrić, manager of the Adria fishing cooperative.
Analysis from the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries shows that plastic dominates in nets on the Croatian side of the Adriatic, while lost fishing gear is more common on the Italian side.
A meeting of the Advisory board was held in the Tribunj Municipality building, where members were introduced and a moderated discussion was held on key project issues. Participants emphasized that successful resolution of this problem relies on good cooperation among various responsible authorities. They also stressed the importance of better understanding of legal regulations and effective prevention of illegal marine litter in port areas.
– We must not forget that fishermen are obliged to bring passively caught waste to designated unloading points so it can be properly disposed of and our sea protected,- emphasized Valentina Andrić, head of the Advisory Service for Fisheries at the Directorate of Fisheries.
Partners also visited the fish market and sampled local products, highlighting the importance of connecting sustainable fisheries with the local community.
Mid-term conference and visit to Brižine
The final day was reserved for the project’s Mid-term conference, held at the Brižine port, where results so far and future project plans were presented to all interested stakeholders.
The conference was attended by project partners, experts, and stakeholders from the fisheries and environmental sectors. After the official program, participants toured the Brižine port, one of the pilot locations in Croatia where a model for improved marine litter collection and disposal will be tested.
In the Brižine port, old fishing nets are also collected. Depending on their condition, the nets are refurbished during the winter for further use or properly disposed of in line with regulations and sustainable waste management goals.
– For several years now in Rimini, we’ve been returning old fishing nets to the market. They are turned into raw material for producing socks and mussel farming ropes,- said Massimo Bellavista from the Rimini Fishing Cooperative in Italy.
– The Veneto region collects styrofoam boxes because they pose a threat to Adriatic biodiversity. The plan is for fishermen to use washable crates in the future and to completely eliminate styrofoam by 2030,- said Alberto Barausse from the University of Padua.
The FishNoWaste project demonstrates that through joint action, concrete steps, education, and mutual understanding, we can make a positive impact in protecting the sea. Pleased with the results so far, the partners concluded the meeting inspired and further motivated to continue working on reducing marine litter. This project shows that through collaboration and joint effort, we can clean our sea and protect nature for future generations.
