Written question WQ84330

Welsh Government worked closely with Seafish to conduct a feasibility assessment prior to the launch of the pilot end of life fishing scheme in Wales. The assessment sought to identify fishing gear types, and other associated items, containing plastic which would be applicable for such a scheme in Wales.

Whelk fishing pots commonly made from a plastic drum were identified as the biggest potential for plastic recycling from the fishing gear used by the Welsh fleet. Other materials such as fish transport crates and buoys were also identified as applicable plastic items. Most types of fishing nets are also applicable for the scheme.

The contract has since been awarded to Odyssey Innovation with disposal sites located at; Conwy, Amlwch, Holyhead, Cardigan, Fishguard and Milford Haven. Disposal points were selected based on, but not limited to, the home ports where the majority of the Welsh fleet using whelk pots operated from. In addition, Keep Wales Tidy also have a disposal site in North Wales, where it is hoped fishing gear collected from their beach cleans would also be included.