Kings Lynn Recycling Event

A collaborative environmental initiative supported by the Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority has successfully removed close to 6 tonnes of redundant fishing and fishing related gear from the Norfolk coast, following a Fishing Gear Amnesty event held at King’s Lynn Port in March 2026.

Delivered in partnership with organisations including Keep Britain Tidy, RWE Renewables UK, Haskoning, Eunomia, and with site access provided by Associated British Ports, the project demonstrates the power of cross-sector collaboration in tackling discarded gear and potential marine litter. Crucially, the initiative also relied on the active cooperation of local fishermen, whose participation was key to its success and who were appreciative to have someone rid them of unwanted fishing gear.

We would like to personally thank the King’s Lynn, Brancaster and Wells fishermen who were directly involved in helping us collecting discarded gear. Ben Southerland a Brancaster fishermen noted the practical benefits of this scheme:

“It was a very positive experience, I was glad to get rid of old fishing gear that had been lying around for who knows how long. Fishermen are busy people and we don’t have much time to cut up gear and bring it to recyclers ourselves so we were all very pleased that people came directly to us to pick up the gear from yards and quaysides”.

Over the course of the amnesty, a total of 5,805 kilograms of disused and discarded fishing gear was collected from quaysides and storage areas around King’s Lynn, Brancaster and Wells-next-the-Sea. Of this, an impressive 4,145 kilograms was successfully recycled through established metal and plastic processing streams, diverting significant waste from landfill and the marine environment.

A notable contribution came from local GoldStar Metal Traders, who ensured that all recovered metal crab pots were responsibly handled and recycled, further strengthening the project’s environmental outcomes.

The initiative not only helped reduce the risk of potential marine litter caused by discarded gear but also provided a practical disposal solution for the fishing industry, supporting both environmental protection and sustainable practices.

“It was very easy for us from start to finish, storage bags were supplied and just had to be left out for collection with the discarded gear. It’s a good initiative that the gear can be recycled and turned into something new rather than end up in landfill.” Said Mark Frary, a fishermen from Wells-next-the-Sea.

Eastern IFCA has highlighted the event as a clear example of what can be achieved through partnership working, with benefits extending from cleaner coastlines to stronger relationships with the local fishing community. Carl Pickering, a potter from Wells-next-the-Sea, shared his satisfaction with the partnership:

“They came all the way to my yard and helped me get rid of fishing crates that had been there for more than 2 decades”.

Building on this success, a final Fishing Gear Amnesty event is already being planned for later in 2026, with further details expected to be announced in due course.

A special mention to fishermen such as Mark Frary, Carl Pickering and Ben Southerland who agreed to have their quotes mentioned.