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Untangling the sea – Destination Zero Waste Sicily

Project duration: January 2025 – December 2025

A 1-year project conducted by SEF aimed at assessing the feasibility of a circular economy of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) and setting up a regional network of stakeholders engaged in addressing this environmental threat. The project involves local stakeholders, including diving centers to map ALDFG; fishing companies to improve ghost gear management; artisans and recycling facilities to explore reuse and recycle options; and public authorities to draw long-term governance.
This project is enabled by TUI Care Foundation and implemented by SEF in collaboration with Abyss Clean Up, association specialized in the identification and removal of marine litter and ghost nets and CNR-IGAG providing scientific support for environmental impact assessment.

Project activities

Call to Action and Diving Explorations
This initiative aims to engage divers and environmental organizations in mapping abandoned fishing gear, gathering data to identify critical areas, and supporting future recovery efforts.

Stakeholder Analysis and Network Development
This activity focuses on identifying and engaging key stakeholders from the fisheries and environmental sectors to discuss strategies for managing discarded gear and fostering collaboration.

Capacity Building for Fishing Companies
This activity offers training sessions for fishers and fishing companies on sustainable practices and tools designed to reduce gear loss at sea.

Social Mapping and Design Activism
This initiative promotes a circular economy for the recovery of discarded fishing nets, involving local artisans and recycling infrastructures to create sustainable solutions.

Upcycling Workshops
Hands-on workshops will guide participants in transforming discarded nets into new products. Expert artisans will share traditional techniques while raising awareness about the circular economy and upcycling practices.

Final Event
An opportunity to bring together stakeholders, institutions, and investors to raise awareness about the sustainable management of ALDFG and foster new synergies for future projects.

For more information please contact our project manager: carlo@sicilyenvironment.org

*MARCH 2025 UPDATE*

Are you a professional diver or fisherman? Join us to help free the sea from abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear in Sicily, a threat to the health of our ecosystems.

Report abandoned fishing gear in the sea or unused nets stored on land by filling out the form.

This data will be used to plan targeted interventions, involving divers, fishermen, researchers, and artisans in the removal and potential recycling of these materials.

**APRIL 2025 UPDATE**

The first mapping and sea explorations to identify abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) both on land and at sea, are taking place in Sicily, within the “Untangling the sea – Destination Zero Waste Sicily” project.

Local fishers, despite difficult weather conditions, often brave the sea, losing their fishing nets. Furthermore, when nets are no longer in use or recovered from the sea, they become hazardous waste, and their disposal is extremely costly.

For this reason, we want to assess the possibility of creating a circular economy and establishing a regional network of stakeholders to fight against this environmental threat, planning targeted interventions for the removal and potential recycling of these materials.

Thank you to Benedetto Gagliano, Ass.Favarotta Sport Fishing di Terrasini.

***MAY 2025 UPDATE***

600 kg and 400 meters of ghost nets recovered off the coast of the Ognina marina in Syracuse!

Two large abandoned nets, made up of trammel nets, FADs, longlines, and gillnets, were recovered at depths between 38 and 45 meters. They were still only slightly encrusted, indicating they had been recently abandoned and posed a real threat to marine life.

The area is frequented by both professional and amateur fishermen, as well as recreational boaters and tourists. An important recovery for the sea, biodiversity, and the safety of swimmers and freedivers.

***JUNE 2025 UPDATE***

“Beyond Form,” the design and prototyping workshop offered a chance to explore new uses for fishing nets as part of the Untangling the Sea project.

Hosted by Scalo 5B, a group of students, artists, and professionals, led by Diego Emanuele, professor and creative director at STUDIOFORWARD, and Luca Cimino, breathed new life into these nets, transforming them into functional and creative prototypes.

Starting from a collective reflection on the ecological and social impacts of discarded or abandoned fishing nets in the sea, the workshop explored creative reuse solutions, giving shape to objects such as plant holders, room dividers, headpieces, and custom seating.

A tangible example of circular economy that combines marine conservation with coastal community involvement, turning waste into a resource.

Scroll through the report.

***JULY 2025 UPDATE***

Thanks to the Untangling the Sea project and the collaboration with Diving Center Saracen, we’re offering both the local community and tourists the chance to take part in snorkeling and diving activities to discover the marine biodiversity of the Capo Gallo and Isola delle Femmine Marine Protected Area, as well as learn about ongoing conservation projects.
Why are we doing this? Because we believe in the value of responsible enjoyment of our natural heritage and in the importance of conscious, sustainable tourism, especially during peak seasons. Marine Protected Areas are a shared resource and play a vital role in promoting tourism that is both balanced and environmentally respectful.
Free participation on July 20, August 3, and August 10, subject to availability.
For info and registration, contact Tony Scontrino at Diving Center Saracen
: +39 347 728 3341