In February 2024, a new project called FishNoWaste was launched as part of the Interreg Italy-Croatia programme. Its goal is to develop common policies and recommendations for waste management in fishing ports based on the principles of a circular economy. The project will connect research institutions, fishing cooperatives, port authorities, state and local administrations and non-governmental organisations.
The project, officially titled “Waste reduction and management in Adriatic fishing ports to promote sustainable fisheries”, will last 30 months. Project activities include monitoring waste collected during fishing activities and in fishing ports, testing solutions for recovering or replacing Styrofoam boxes with reusable materials, developing a comprehensive model for waste management in fishing ports, and educating and raising awareness about the importance of proper waste management, reduction, reuse and recycling.
Eight project partners and two associated partners participate in the project. The leading partner of the project is the University of Padua from Italy, the associated partner is ISPRA (Institute for Environmental Protection and Research). On the Croatian side, the partners are the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, JU RERA S.D. for coordination and development, the Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development of the Sun and the Port Authority of Split. Other partners on the Italian side are M.A.R.E. Società Cooperativa A.R.L. with the associated partner Comune di Rimini, Società Servizi Territoriali S.p.A. di Chioggia and Lavoratori del Mare SOC. COOP. And R.L..
In mid-May 2024, a public presentation of the project and an initial meeting of all partners took place at the University of Padua in Chioggia, Italy.