Challenges and recommendations for marine waste management in European fishing ports

The fishing sector plays a crucial role in the effective management of marine litter, emphasising the importance of facilitating waste collection for fishers and ensuring its subsequent management in port reception facilities (PRFs). EU Directive 2019/883/EU provides a unified sector-specific legal framework for managing ship-generated waste within EU ports, but harmonising PRFs and waste management remains challenging across Member States. Key areas for improving waste management include streamlining the regulatory framework (policies and processes), enhancing economic viability, fostering partnerships, promoting knowledge sharing, improving infrastructure, and increasing stakeholder awareness. The measures taken should consider the context, including port characteristics and the country in which it operates.