Circular Fishing Gear Gains Momentum as the Industry Moves Toward More Sustainable Solutions
October 2026
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration across the global fishing industry. In addition to improving fishing efficiency and reducing bycatch, more attention is now being directed toward the entire life cycle of fishing gear, including how nets and ropes are manufactured, used, collected and managed at the end of their service life.
A recent European initiative has highlighted the growing momentum behind this transition. The SEARCULAR project, coordinated by AZTI and involving research organizations, fishing gear manufacturers, recyclers and other industry stakeholders, recently concluded with several solutions designed to promote a more circular approach to fishing gear. AZTI
From traditional fishing gear to circular solutions
Fishing nets and ropes have traditionally been manufactured primarily from synthetic materials because they offer the strength, flexibility, abrasion resistance and durability required for demanding marine environments.
However, once fishing gear reaches the end of its working life, its disposal can create environmental and economic challenges. According to the SEARCULAR project, approximately 26,000 tonnes of end-of-life fishing gear reach European ports each year, highlighting the need for better collection, recycling and reuse systems. AZTI
Rather than focusing only on waste treatment after fishing gear has been discarded, the industry is increasingly exploring ways to consider end-of-life management at the product design stage.
This means manufacturers and fishing companies are beginning to look at questions such as:
Can the material be recycled after use?
Can recycled material be incorporated into new fishing gear?
Can the product be designed to make future recycling easier?
How can lost or discarded fishing gear be collected more effectively?
Can alternative materials reduce the environmental impact without compromising fishing performance?
These questions are gradually becoming part of the wider conversation around modern fishing gear.
Recycled and alternative materials attract growing attention
One of the most interesting developments is the use of recycled polymers recovered from discarded fishing nets.
The SEARCULAR project has demonstrated solutions including protective ropes made from recycled polyamide recovered from discarded fishing nets, as well as research into biodegradable ropes and biodegradable fish aggregating devices. AZTI
These developments do not mean that conventional synthetic fishing nets and ropes will disappear in the short term. Professional fishing operations still require materials that can withstand repeated exposure to seawater, mechanical loads, abrasion and demanding working conditions.
Instead, the industry appears to be moving toward a more diversified approach in which performance, durability and environmental considerations are evaluated together.
For fishing gear manufacturers, this creates an opportunity to explore improved material selection, product design and manufacturing processes while continuing to meet the practical requirements of commercial fishing.
Better management of used fishing gear is equally important
Material innovation is only one part of the solution.
Fishing gear that is lost or discarded at sea can continue to trap marine organisms, a phenomenon commonly referred to as ghost fishing. Lost gear can also contribute to marine litter and create hazards for marine ecosystems and navigation. European initiatives are therefore also looking at improved systems for collecting and managing end-of-life fishing gear at ports. CORDIS
The SEARCULAR project, for example, has developed Blue Point, a smart port-based collection model intended to improve the management of end-of-life fishing gear. AZTI
This highlights an important point: creating more sustainable fishing gear requires cooperation throughout the supply chain. Manufacturers, fishermen, fishing companies, ports, recyclers and policymakers all have a role to play.
What this means for fishing gear manufacturers
For manufacturers of fishing nets and ropes, sustainability is increasingly becoming part of product development rather than simply a marketing consideration.
Future fishing gear may be evaluated not only by parameters such as:
breaking strength;
mesh size;
twine diameter;
abrasion resistance;
knot strength;
service life;
but also by factors such as material origin, recyclability, traceability and end-of-life management.
At the same time, professional fishermen will continue to require reliable equipment capable of performing consistently in real working environments.
The challenge for manufacturers will therefore be to find the right balance between performance, durability, cost and environmental responsibility.
Looking ahead
The development of circular fishing gear is still evolving, and different fisheries will have different technical and operational requirements. Nevertheless, recent projects in Europe show that the concept is moving beyond research and toward practical applications in commercial fishing. AZTI
For the fishing gear industry, this represents a gradual shift in how products are designed and evaluated.
As the global fishing sector continues to focus on more responsible resource management, manufacturers will have an increasingly important role in developing durable, efficient and more sustainable fishing nets and ropes for the next generation of commercial fisheries.