Lerwick Harbour was the location for a celebration marking a milestone for KIMO UK's Fishing for Litter projects in Scotland which have removed over 2,000 tone of plastic pollution and marine litter from UK seas to date.
Shetland boats have removed 58 tonnes of litter in that time, with Lerwick one of the island ports used for disposal. Of the 300 vessels in Scotland and 450-plus UK-wide participating in the expanding scheme, 22 are Shetland-based.
The Fishing for Litter project is facilitated by KIMO which has its headquarters in Shetland, working for healthy seas, clean beaches and thriving coastal communities by providing large bags for removal of marine litter picked up alongside catches. The project covers the costs of litter collection and disposal.
Port Authority Chief Executive, Captain Calum Grains, said: “We are pleased to continue our support for KIMO’s successful project as part of our ongoing commitment to protect the environment in everything we do. The industry is to be congratulated for its increasing efforts.”
The event was attended by representatives of the Council, KIMO, Shetland Fishermen’s Association and the Port.
KIMO’s international campaign was formed in 2004. http://www.kimointernational.org/fishing-for-litter
