Most precious catch

 

Ghost fishing is one of the greatest threats to the seas and oceans on a global scale. The Black sea is no exception. Data from the Institute of Oceanology at Istanbul University show that thousands of such nets with a total area of over 100 square kilometers end up in the Black Sea every year. According to them, the actual volume and consequences for the ecosystems in the Black Sea need to be better clarified. That is why it is time to do something about it.

“Most precious catch” is our joint initiative with the “Chernomorski Izgrev” Fishing Association. Our common goal: to limit the damage caused by old fishing nets floating undisturbed in the Black Sea.

Как ще го направим?
Този риболовен сезон (от 31.10 до 15.04.2021), когато корабите ще навлизат най-навътре в морето, те целенасочено ще събират и вадят на брега стари мрежи. В края на този период ще обявим конкретните резултати си следващите стъпки.

How did we do it?
During the fishing season (from October 31 to April 15, 2021), when ships ventured furthest out to sea, they  deliberately collected and brought old nets ashore. At the end of the period, the results are:

The total length of the lost nets collected is over 50 km – enough to span the distance from Cape Emine to the port of Varna.

In addition, we gathered invaluable information about the extent of the Black Sea pollution problem and the locations of waste deposits on the seabed. This information can be used for further action to build on what has been achieved so far.

Long-term commitment
For us, “Most precious catch” is not a one-off campaign, but the beginning of a long-term commitment..

Защото считаме, че е наш дълг да работим за реалното намаляване на вредните въздействия и за подобряването на черноморските екосистеми. Because we believe it is our duty to work towards a real reduction in harmful impacts and the improvement of Black Sea ecosystems. For this very reason, a percentage of the sales of all Black Sea Catch products will go towards financing the project.

What’s more, we have taken on the surprisingly complex task of finding out how and where to recycle the collected fishing nets made of polyamide and nylon. Some of the nets collected during the first phase of the project have already been given a new lease of life as useful items, thanks to the partnership with Precious Plastic Sofia.

We are now looking for ways to recycle larger quantities. Any help in this regard will be extremely useful. If you have an idea where we can recycle them and give them a second life, please contact us.

If you have an idea and want to support the project in another way, please contact us. Because protecting our sea depends on us working together!