Recycle Môr
Recycle Môr has been operational since September 2021 with the help of our local fishers and project partners Waterhaul, we have collected over 6 tonnes of End of Life (EoL) fishing gear. The project funding has come to an end and we are looking at new ways to fund the project so that we can expand and place bins in more harbours. However, we are still collecting and recycling the EoL fishing gear from our bins at Lowertown Fishguard, Solva, Porthgain, Tenby, Saundersfoot and Neyland. Our project report is available to read and download below. If anyone would like to help by making a donation to the project, you can donate via our Local Giving project page by clicking the donate button below.
Oct 2021 – New project creating sustainable solutions for the end-of-life fishing gear problem in Pembrokeshire
A new partnership bringing together a Pembrokeshire marine conservation charity and a Cornish environmentally conscious business launch a project to reduce marine plastic pollution by providing free end of life plastic fishing gear disposal on harbours across Pembrokeshire. These recycling bins will be placed at harbours including Saundersfoot, Tenby, Porthgain and Lower Town in Fishguard. There will also be a bin at the Ocean Lab in Goodwick.
Sea Trust Wales and Waterhaul have partnered together and received funding from FLAG (Fisheries Local Action Group) via EMFF (European Maritime & Fisheries Fund) for a five-month pilot project that started in October called Recycle Môr.
The project will trial a system to collect, sort and recycle end of life plastic gear into high quality products. The bins will accept the following plastic fishing waste: nets, rope, bait bags and hard plastic e.g. fish trays, whelk pots. The pilot will determine whether the system can be sustainable, especially at smaller harbours such Porthgain and Lower Town Fishguard. A similar system has been in place in the southwest of England for the last few years, but the small size, type of fishing industry and remote location has been seen as a barrier to a similar system being implemented in Wales. If the pilot project is successful, the project could then be expanded to other harbours across Pembrokeshire, Wales, or the UK where there are collections of smaller harbours in remote locations.
The innovative partnership between the organisations is the key to success as the net and rope that is collected can be sent to project partners Waterhaul. The rope and nets would last hundreds of years in the environment as they are made to be as strong as possible, these properties are what make them perfect to be recycled into high quality products such as sunglasses, litter pickers, litter picking bag hoops, and knives. Waterhaul intend to launch new Pembrokeshire editions of their sunglasses, made form the material collected through the Recycle Môr scheme, into order to help fund the work making it sustainable in the long run. The project also relies on the expertise of Waterhaul who have been collecting and recycling nets from their local area since 2018.
This project is vital as not only is marine plastic pollution as waste of high-quality resources but each year 8 to 12 million tonnes of plastic enters the oceans, if this waste is given a value, then it creates an even higher incentive to be recovered from the sea and be re-used. Recycling the plastic also creates less greenhouse gasses than using virgin materials. End of life fishing gear also poses a risk by continuing to fish while left in the sea, nets and trap continue to catch animals where they become entangled and die of starvation, this then acts as bait and attracts other animals, and the cycle continues.
The hope is that this project can be replicated in other remote seaside communities across the UK and beyond. To bring the value back to the lost fishing gear, get it collected and then recycled back into high quality items creating a circular economy.
Lloyd Nelmes, Marine Project Officer, at Sea Trust Wales, said:
“As a marine conservation charity, marine plastic is always one of our main priorities. Through previous projects we have identified a need for better waste collection in harbours, especially in smaller harbours. This needed an innovative and sustainable solution, there is a large expense associated with removing waste but repurposing it into new high-quality items could be the solution”
Harry Dennis, Founder and CEO, at Waterhaul, said:
“It’s fantastic to be able to expand end-of-life fishing gear recycling to the Pembrokeshire coastline and to be working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to achieve the common goal of tackling plastic waste and creating circular economy solutions. We’re excited to be able to demonstrate the transformation from waste material into valued resource, and how this can be used to drive positive change and impact.”
Cllr Paul Miller, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy said,
“Pembrokeshire County Council is the lead body for the Cleddau to Coast Fisheries Local Action Group so we are delighted to support Sea Trust and the Pembrokeshire fishing community. This project will enable Pembrokeshire fishers to recycle locally produced marine waste, and also allow them to deal with the large amounts of marine litter brought to our coast by the Gulf Stream.”
Richard Joseph, the officer for the Cleddau to Coast Fisheries Local Action Group said,
“The FLAG is especially pleased that it has helped Sea Trust secure funding through the European Maritime and Fishing Fund programme. This project will provide benefits for both wildlife and Pembrokeshire’s coastal communities.”
For further information call Lloyd on 01348 874373 / 07729285287 or lloyd@seatrust.org.uk
This project has received funding through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, which is funded by the European Union and the Welsh Government.
Frequently asked questions
- What can you recycle?
We can recycle end-of-life fishing gear such as rope, net, fish boxes and bait bags. Specifically, items made of polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon. We cannot however accept items such as heavily fouled items, lead lined rope, rubber, metal, and general waste. More details can be found on the bins themselves; the same leaflet is also on this webpage.
- Does the plastic have to be cleaned first?
We cannot take any items that are heavily fouled. This means net with seaweed wrapped in it, rope with organisms growing on it or rigid plastic covered in encrusting organisms. If these items are cleaned then they can be recycled, otherwise they are not recyclable and contaminate the plastic making the end product weaker or not useable.
- Where does the plastic go?
The plastic collected goes to our project partners Waterhaul in Cornwall who recycle the material through a process of shredding, cleaning, and pelletising before reworking them into high quality end products.
- Can we have a bin?
We currently only have funding to trial the bins we have; however, we are hoping to expand the project to new areas after the pilot period. If you would like a bin near you, feel free to send us an email to info@seatrust.org.uk and we will make a note. We will need landowners consent first.
- How can I help support the project?
There are two great ways to support the project. If you want to get hands on, the items collected need to be identified, sorted and packed ready to be sent to Waterhaul. If you would like to volunteer on the Recycle Môr project, email lloyd@seatrust.org.uk. You can also help by donating via our Local Giving Appeal (https://localgiving.org/charity/seatrustwales/project/Recycle_Mor/)
- Why are the bins locked?
The bins are locked to avoid them being used as a general waste bin which would contaminate the contents making it harder or impossible to recycle. The bin is locked with a coded padlock, ask the harbourmaster for the code in the harbour where the bin is situated.
- Where can I drop off my end-of-life fishing gear?
The bins are currently in Tenby, Saundersfoot, Porthgain and Lowertown Fishguard. You can also drop off to our HQ at the Ocean Lab in Goodwick.
- Do you accept end-of-life fishing gear from beach cleans?
We do, but please make sure the material is not heavily fouled. If the net / rope is covered in seaweed or other organisms, please clear this off the plastic first as it cannot be recycled in this state.
Hydref 2021 – Prosiect newydd sy’n creu atebion cynaliadwy ar gyfer y broblem o offer pysgota ar ddiwedd ei oes yn Sir Benfro
Dyma bartneriaeth newydd sy’n dod ag elusen cadwraeth forol yn Sir Benfro a busnes sy’n ymwybodol iawn yn amgylcheddol o Gernyw ynghyd i lansio prosiect i leihau llygredd plastig morol drwy ddarparu ffordd o waredu offer pysgota plastig ar ddiwedd ei oes ym mhorthladdoedd ledled Sir Benfro. Bydd y biniau ailgylchu hyn yn cael eu gosod mewn harbyrau gan gynnwys Saundersfoot, Dinbych-y-pysgod, Porthgain a Thref Isaf Abergwaun. Bydd bin hefyd yn y Ocean Lab yn Wdig.
Mae Ymddiriedolaeth y Môr Cymru a Waterhaul wedi creu partneriaeth ac wedi derbyn cyllid gan FLAG (Grŵp Gweithredu Lleol ar Bysgodfeydd) drwy EMFF (sef Cronfa Forol a Physgodfeydd Ewrop) am brosiect peilot bum mis o hyd a ddechreuodd ym mis Hydref, o’r enw Recycle Môr.
Bydd y prosiect hwn yn treialu system i gasglu, trefnu ac ailgylchu offer plastig ar ddiwedd ei oes yn gynnyrch o safon. Bydd y cynllun peilot yn pennu a yw’r system yn gynaliadwy, yn enwedig mewn porthladdoedd llai, megis Porthgain a Thref Isaf Abergwaun. Mae system debyg wedi bod ar waith yn ne-orllewin Lloegr dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf, ond mae’r math maint bach, y diwydiant pysgota a’r lleoliad diarffordd wedi’u hystyried i fod yn rhwystrau i roi system debyg ar waith yng Nghymru. Os yw’r cynllun peilot yn llwyddiannus, byddai modd ehangu’r prosiect i borthladdoedd eraill ar draws Sir Benfro, Cymru neu’r DU lle mae casgliadau o borthladdoedd llai mewn lleoliadau diarffordd.
Mae’r bartneriaeth arloesol rhwng y sefydliadau yn allweddol i lwyddiant y prosiect gan y gellir anfon y rhwydi a’r rhaffau sy’n cael eu casglu i bartneriaid y prosiect, Waterhaul. Byddai’r rhaffau a’r rhwydi’n para cannoedd o flynyddoedd yn yr amgylchedd gan eu bod nhw wedi’u creu i fod mor gryf â phosib. Dyma’r nodweddion sy’n eu gwneud nhw’n berffaith i gael eu hailgylchu yn gynnyrch o safon, megis sbectol haul, casglwyr sbwriel, cylchoedd bagiau casglu sbwriel a chyllyll. Mae Waterhaul yn bwriadu lansio fersiynau Sir Benfro newydd sbon o’u sbectol haul, a wneir o ddeunyddiau a gasglwyd drwy’r cynllun Recycle Môr, er mwyn helpu i ariannu’r gwaith o’i wneud yn gynaliadwy yn y tymor hir. Mae’r prosiect hefyd yn dibynnu ar arbenigedd Waterhaul sydd wedi bod yn casglu ac yn ailgylchu rhwydi o’i ardal leol ers 2018.
Mae’r prosiect hwn yn hanfodol gan nid yn unig mae llygredd plastig morol yn wastraff o adnoddau o safon, mae rhwng 8 a 12 miliwn tunnell o blastig yn mynd i’r cefnforoedd bob blwyddyn. Os gellir rhoi gwerth ar y gwastraff hwn, mae’n creu anogaeth gryfach i’w adfer o’r môr a’i ailddefnyddio. Mae ailgylchu’r plastig hefyd yn creu llai o nwyon tŷ gwydr na defnyddio deunyddiau newydd sbon. Mae offer pysgota ar ddiwedd ei oes hefyd yn peri risg o barhau i bysgod ar ôl cael ei adael yn y môr. Mae rhwydi yn parhau i ddal anifeiliaid sy’n mynd yn sownd ac yn marw o ddiffyg bwyd, ac mae hyn yn gweithredu fel abwyd ac yn denu anifeiliaid eraill, ac mae’r cylch yn parhau.
Y gobaith yw y gellir ailadrodd y prosiect hwn mewn cymunedau glan môr diarffordd eraill ledled y DU a’r tu hwnt. Y bwriad yw rhoi gwerth yn ôl i’r offer pysgota a gollwyd, ei gasglu a’i ailgylchu’n eitemau o safon uchel, a thrwy hynny creu economi gylchol.
Meddai Lloyd Nelmes, Swyddog y Prosiect Morol, yn Ymddiriedolaeth y Môr Cymru:
“Fel elusen cadwraeth forol, plastig morol yw un o’n prif flaenoriaethau. Drwy brosiectau blaenorol, rydym ni wedi nodi’r angen am gasglu gwastraff yn well mewn porthladdoedd, yn enwedig mewn porthladdoedd llai. Roedd hyn yn gofyn am ateb arloesol a chynaliadwy. Mae cost fawr yn gysylltiedig â gwaredu gwastraff ond gallai ei addasu i fod yn eitemau newydd o safon fod yn ateb.”
Dywedodd Harry Dennis, Sefydlydd a Phrif Swyddog Gweithredol Waterhaul:
“Mae’n wych gallu ehangu ailgylchu offer pysgota ar ddiwedd ei oes i arfordir Sir Benfro a gallu gweithio’n gydweithredol ag amrywiaeth o randdeiliaid i gyflawni’r nod gyffredin o fynd i’r afael â gwastraff a chreu atebion economi gylchol. Rydym ni wedi ein cyffroi i allu arddangos y broses o drawsnewid deunyddiau gwastraff yn adnodd gwerthfawr, a sut y gellir defnyddio hyn i ysgogi newid ac effaith gadarnhaol.”
Dywedodd y Cynghorydd Paul Miller, Aelod Cabinet Cyngor Sir Benfro ar gyfer yr Economi: “Mae Cyngor Sir Benfro yn gorff arwain ar gyfer Grŵp Gweithredu Pysgota Lleol Cleddau i’r Arfordir (FLAG) felly mae’n bleser gennym gefnogi Ymddiriedolaeth y Môr a chymuned bysgota Sir Benfro. Bydd y prosiect hwn yn galluogi pysgotwyr Sir Benfro i ailgylchu gwastraff morol a gynhyrchwyd yn lleol, gan hefyd ei gwneud hi’n bosib iddynt ymdrin â sympiau mawr o sbwriel morol sy’n dod i’n harfordir gan Lif y Gwlff.”
Dywedodd Richard Joseph, swyddog o Grŵp Gweithredu Pysgota Lleol Cleddau i’r Arfordir:
“Mae’r FLAG yn arbennig o hapus ei fod wedi helpu Ymddiriedolaeth y Môr ennill cyllid drwy raglen Cronfa Forol a Physgota Ewrop. Bydd y prosiect hwn yn cynnig buddion i fywyd gwyllt a chymunedau arfordirol Sir Benfro.”
Am ragor o wybodaeth, ffoniwch Lloyd ar 01348 874373 / 07729285287 neu lloyd@seatrust.org.uk
Mae’r prosiect hwn wedi derbyn cyllid drwy Gronfa Forol a Physgodfeydd Ewrop, a ariennir gan yr Undeb Ewropeaidd a Llywodraeth Cymru.
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