LEBANON - Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has launched a new initiative to tackle marine litter and abandoned fishing gear in the country’s fishing ports, officials said during a technical workshop held under a Norwegian-funded fisheries project.

The workshop, titled “Disposal of Marine Waste and Abandoned Fishing Nets in Fishing Harbors,” was organized as part of the project “Enhancing Sustainable Fisheries Resources Management and Climate Change Adaptation in Lebanon.”

The initiative seeks to strengthen the resilience of Lebanon’s fisheries value chain, improve national food security, and promote the sustainable management of marine resources amid growing environmental and climate-related challenges.

According to a statement issued after the event, the workshop brought together representatives of fishing communities, local authorities, private-sector stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant parties to discuss environmentally sound methods for disposing of marine waste and abandoned fishing nets in line with responsible fishing practices.

Participants reviewed international best practices for reducing marine pollution and improving waste management in fishing ports.

Discussions focused on the need to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as the growing problem of “ghost fishing,” a phenomenon in which lost or discarded fishing gear continues to trap and kill marine species long after it has been abandoned.

Speakers emphasized that stronger cooperation between coastal communities, municipalities and private-sector actors is essential to protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.

The workshop also highlighted the role of responsible fisheries management in supporting livelihoods and strengthening resilience to climate change.

At the conclusion of the event, participants were presented with a bench and table manufactured from recycled fishing nets and marine plastic waste.

The display was developed within the framework of the Norwegian-funded project and showcased how discarded marine materials can be transformed into useful products through circular economy approaches.

Attendees also witnessed the installation of a collection container designed to receive damaged or used fishing nets and marine plastic debris. The measure forms part of a broader effort to establish sustainable systems for the collection, management and disposal of marine waste in Lebanon’s fishing ports.

Etienne Karimeh, FAO Resilience and Liaison Officer in Lebanon, said abandoned fishing nets remain one of the most significant sources of marine pollution in the country.

“Abandoned fishing gear causes considerable harm to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities,” Karimeh said. “Through this Norway-funded initiative, we are working with our partners to promote responsible fishing practices and improve the sustainable management of fishing equipment, helping to protect our seas and strengthen the resilience of the fisheries sector.”