The NETTAG+ Final Event, endorsed as a United Nations Ocean Decade Activity, took place in Portugal on 14–15 April 2026, bringing together researchers, policymakers, fisheries stakeholders, businesses and NGOs to showcase the project’s achievements and explore practical solutions to tackle marine litter derived from fisheries.
While divers removed ghost gear from Prokljan Lake, children in Skradin learned why protecting the ocean matters.
There is an invisible and profound bond that connects the hands of those who cast nets to the health of our waters—a silent pact that endures through time.
As the NETTAG+ project approaches its conclusion, the consortium is pleased to announce its Final Event, which will take place on 14–15 April 2026 in Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal.
The NETTAG+ project continues advancing its mission to avoid the loss of fishing gear with the latest round of field trials, this time on the Croatian island of Vis, in the Adriatic Sea.
Last week, the NETTAG+ project took part in the Med Lighthouse Bootcamp, organised by the BlueMissionMed project during the ECOMONDO Circular Economy Fair in Rimini (4–7 November 2025).
This July, the annual Festa del Mare (“Festival of the Sea”) in Spadafora, Sicily—organized by the local Pro Loco—welcomed WWF Italy and the EU NETTAG+ project for a full day dedicated to tackling plastic pollution, promoting sustainable fisheries, and protecting marine ecosystems. The event drew over 2,000 participants and united local fishers, scientists, citizens, and environmental advocates in a shared commitment to the sea.
On a bright September morning, the peaceful shores of St. Thomas Bay in Marsaskala were filled with energy and purpose. A total of 81 participants including students and staff from Marsaskala St Joachim School summer school and STMC, Carlo Diacono Middle and Secondary summer school came together for a beach clean-up event organised by Aquatic Resources Malta (ARM) under the coordination of Officer Kirsten Bonnici, that combined learning, action, and community spirit.
Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Program, Grant No. 101112812 (NETTAG+). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
UK partners University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and Succorfish Ltd. are funded by the UKRI under the agreement on the association of the UK to Horizon Europe (Grant No. 10066822).
