HELCOM - The Helsinki Commission 156d ago

20 January 2026, 09:00-12:30 CET Recreational fishing is a popular activity across the Baltic Sea countries, bringing positive health, social and economic benefits to coastal communities. Although most recreational fishers care deeply about the sea, a significant amount of recreational fishing gear is lost at sea every year, creating environmental challenges. The reasons for abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) are many, and not always within the fisher’s control. By effectively marking their gear, recreational fishers can help minimise future losses. Action RS9 of the HELCOM Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter aims to “investigate available options for fishing gear marking as a tool to prevent and reduce gear losses and produce recommendations to improve gear marking to increase the effectiveness of this tool”. In addition, in February 2025, the European Commission adopted a new regulation requiring clear marking of certain types of passive fishing gear. For the successful implementation of these commitments, it is essential to raise awareness and exchange knowledge, experience, challenges and solutions. Organised by the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) in partnership with KIMO, and funded by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management. Moderated by Sandra Kropa, an environmental journalist from Latvia.