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 event will mark an important milestone for the project, bringing together researchers, policymakers, fishers, maritime authorities, industry representatives and other stakeholders to present the project’s results and explore pathways for the continued uptake of its solutions.
Over the past three years, NETTAG+ has developed and tested innovative approaches to prevent, avoid and mitigate the environmental impacts of fishing gear and associated marine litter, particularly abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG). The Final Event will provide an opportunity to showcase the NETTAG+ solutions while fostering dialogue and collaboration among those working to address one of the most persistent challenges affecting marine ecosystems.
The two-day programme (agenda) will begin with a scientific workshop structured around the three solutions developed within NETTAG+: PREVENT, AVOID and MITIGATE. The workshop will open with a keynote lecture by Professor Mike Elliott (University of Hull) and will feature thematic panels where NETTAG+ results will be presented, bringing together also researchers and representatives from other European initiatives working on related challenges, namely FreeLitterAt, SEARCULAR and SeaClear2.0 projects.
On the second day, the event will continue in Póvoa de Varzim, with a programme focused on practical demonstrations of the solutions developed within the project. Participants will have the opportunity to explore onshore showcases of the project’s outputs, including technological solutions, educational tools, virtual reality experiences and policy recommendations.
The day will also include a live demonstration at sea, where participants will observe how the MyGearTag acoustic system and the IRIS robotic system can support the localisation and recovery of lost fishing gear, as well as detection of ALDFG.
By fostering knowledge exchange, building synergies between initiatives and strengthening networks across initiatives, the NETTAG+ Final Event aims to contribute to a lasting legacy, supporting the continued uptake of effective solutions to address marine litter from fisheries at European level.
The NETTAG+ Final Event has received endorsement from the UN Ocean Decade, recognising its contribution to advancing collaborative solutions for healthier oceans.
