Scoping Study on Marine Litter from Aquaculture in the OSPAR Maritime Area Northern Europe

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DEFRA - Project Dates:
August 2024 - March 2025

Description of Project:
The project examined the sources, pathways, and impacts of marine litter arising from aquaculture activities across the OSPAR Maritime Area. It involved a comprehensive review of aquaculture practices, production systems, licensing and decommissioning procedures, and existing evidence on aquaculture-related marine litter. The work also assessed current mitigation measures, identified key knowledge gaps, and developed evidence-based recommendations to support OSPAR on preventing and reducing marine litter from aquaculture, supported by structured stakeholder engagement and consultation.

Services Provided:

Poseidon conducted the evidence review and analysis, synthesised existing scientific and policy literature, and assessed best practices and mitigation measures. The team designed and facilitated stakeholder workshops, engaged with aquaculture operators and regulators, and prepared the final report and presentations, providing Defra and OSPAR contracting parties with robust, actionable findings and recommendations.