Prisoners recycling fishing waste scheme extended

A recycling scheme that sorts fishing equipment for reuse has been renewed for another three years.

Ports of Jersey (PoJ) said the scheme started in September 2023 and 430 lobster pots, 66 tonnes of rope and 9,000m (29,500ft) of nets had been collected through the scheme.

Sophie Alexander, PoJ head of sustainability and community value, said she was "really proud" to protect the environment and reuse equipment.

Fishers leave their used items at the harbour which are collected by the prison service to be broken down into individual materials.

Ms Alexander said the project "shows the powerful impact that we can have when we work together as an island".

She said: "It's great that we can protect our marine environment while also returning equipment back to the fishing industry.

"We are excited to continue working together this year to develop the scheme and find more ways to reduce waste and improve circularity around the harbour."

The project is run by PoJ alongside the government, the Jersey Fishermen's Association and the prison service.

Deputy Steve Luce, Minister for the Environment, said the prison continued to "do a fantastic job separating fishing gear materials, which have now been recycled or returned to fishing fleet for reuse".

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