What We Do
Fishing For Litter
The Fishing for Litter scheme works with fishers and the fishing industry to reduce the amount of litter in our seas, thereby also reducing the amount of litter that washes up onto our beaches. By removing this litter from the sea, the boats taking part are helping to protect both marine wildlife, and the environment.
The scheme is simple, but the volunteers who join it can make a big impact. Fishers are given large re-usable bags for marine litter collection. When they come across plastic, old nets and other waste while fishing, it goes in the bag. This litter is then brought back into port where it is transferred to dedicated waste containers. The bags can be taken to any harbour participating in the Fishing for Litter scheme. There is no charge for the bags provided or for the waste disposal.
The scheme started with a test project in the Netherlands before KIMO (Kommunernes International Miljøorganisation or Local Authorities International Environmental Organisation) launched the scheme in 2004. The scheme was implemented in Scotland in 2005 by KIMO UK and since then, Scottish Fishers have removed more than 2300 tonnes of marine litter from the sea. The scheme has expanded to include 65 harbours all over the United Kingdom, 35 of which are in Scotland. In total there are over 400 vessels taking part in Scotland.
The Marine Environmental Unit at Orkney Harbours is facilitating the scheme here in Orkney, and it launched in 2024. The scheme launched initially in Stromness Harbour and Kirkwall Harbour, with Tingwall Harbour being added in mid-2025.Â
If you are the owner of a fishing or shellfish boat in these harbours you can join the Orkney scheme by completing the online registration form (link below).
KIMO UK
The project is coordinated and run in the United Kingdom, by KIMO UK. Currently the project is being funded in Scotland by Marine Scotland, Ullapool Harbour Trust and Aberdeenshire Council.Â