Fishermen of Santa Pola tidy up the sea

In the picturesque town of Santa Pola, a significant marine clean-up operation was carried out as part of the Clean Ocean Day event. The initiative was organised by the Fishing Shipowners' Cooperative of the Port of Vigo (ARVI), and saw the participation of 11 vessels, the Santa Pola Fishermen's Guild, and various other local stakeholders.

A total of 78.5 kilograms of marine litter was extracted from the sea near the port, with an additional 22 kilograms of onboard waste being responsibly managed. The event was a resounding success, thanks to the collaboration of shipowners, fishermen, and volunteers.

Reme Ruso, president of the Santa Pola Shipowners' Association, and Jose Lopez Cachopino, chief skipper of the guild, lent their support to the cause. ARVI expressed their gratitude for this collaboration, stating that such efforts are essential in promoting a healthier ocean and a more sustainable future for fishing communities.

The Clean Ocean Day event is part of the European NETTAG+ project, an initiative that connects fishing organisations from Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, and northern Portugal, as part of the Interreg Spain-Portugal (POCTEP) programme. The goal of the NETTAG+ project is to prevent, avoid, and mitigate the impact of lost fishing gear and marine litter.

Interestingly, much of the marine litter was traced back to land sources, highlighting the need for broader awareness campaigns. In addition to industry action, the NETTAG+ initiative aims to educate coastal communities about the importance of marine conservation.

Clean Ocean Day in Santa Pola is just one example of the positive impact that can be achieved through collaboration and dedication to a common goal. As we continue to face challenges related to marine pollution, initiatives like these offer hope for a cleaner, healthier ocean.