Project duration: 01/01/2025 – 31/12/2025
Status: On Going
Grantee: Enaleia
Co-funded by: Costas M. Lemos Foundation

THE CHALLENGE: 

The Mediterranean Sea faces a growing plastic pollution crisis due to abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, often referred to as “ghost” gear. This type of marine plastic waste is one of the deadliest forms of pollution, threatening marine life, harming local economies, and disrupting coastal communities. Studies indicate that by 2050, plastic in the ocean may outweigh fish. Without intervention, the problem will continue to escalate, causing irreversible damage to marine ecosystems and fisheries. 

THE SOLUTION: 

AEF is actively working to mitigate marine plastic pollution by supporting initiatives that promote sustainable waste prevention and circular economy strategies. Since 2021, we have been supporting the Enaleia’s Mediterranean CleanUp initiative, funding efforts to reduce marine waste in Hydra, Spetses, Nea Kios and Koilada, working hand in hand with local fishers. Through this partnership, we have contributed to the establishment of collection points for end-of-life fishing gear, engaging local fishing communities, marine authorities, and industry leaders in the blue economy. Building on this impact, AEF is now supporting the expansion of the initiative to Porto Cheli, strengthening waste collection infrastructure and fostering deeper community engagement at a regional level.  

A key element of this initiative is education. By raising awareness among fishers about the environmental impact of “ghost” gear and providing them with viable alternatives, Enaleia fosters a shift towards more sustainable fishing practices. Additionally, collected gear is integrated into a circular economy model, where it is recycled and repurposed into sustainable products such as clothing, furniture, bins, accessories, and even eco-friendly kayaks. This “close-the-loop” approach ensures that waste is not only removed from the ocean but also given a second life in a responsible manner. 

THE OUTCOMES: 

The project outlines the following milestones:

– Establishment of a collection point in Porto Cheli for end-of-life fishing gear. 

– Engagement of fishers in the Porto Cheli area to deliver their used fishing gear to the collection point. 

– Prevention of the release of >500kg of end-of-life fishing gear into the sea.  

– Transfer of the gear to certified recycling and upcycling units for sustainable repurposing.  

– Sustainable fishing practices seminar tailored to local fishers’ needs, regarding modern, eco-friendly techniques to safeguard marine biodiversity while sustaining their livelihoods.  

OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATION: 

Founded in 2016 as Greece’s first fishing school, Enaleia trains fishers in sustainability and tourism. The plastic pollution crisis led to the launch of the Mediterranean CleanUp (MCU) project. Today, Enaleia is a social enterprise focused on achieving systemic change in tackling fishing nets and marine plastic. It partners with fishers in Greece, Italy, Spain, and Egypt to collect and recycle marine plastic waste through education, mitigation, and prevention, with its impact globally recognized. 

Enaleia continues to expand the MCU initiative in the Argosaronic, ensuring that discarded fishing gear is properly collected, repurposed, and prevented from polluting the Mediterranean’s fragile marine ecosystems. 

READ ALSO: 

Collection and Recycling of Used Fishing Gear in Nea Kios 

Collection and Recycling of Used Fishing Gear in Spetses, Hydra, Koilada 

Recycling fishing gear at the Argolic Gulf 

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Visit the Enaleia website 

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