Free LitterAT — INTTERREG Atlantic Area EU project

Free LitterAT is an exciting INTTERREG Atlantic Area project aimed at advancing towards litter-free Atlantic coastlines, by utilising knowledge, tools, technology, and engaging stakeholders in litter prevention, recording, and removal where possible. 

An Taisce's Clean Coasts are involved in two of the project’s work packages:  

Work Package 1 - Prevention by improving waste management and recycling in Atlantic ports and coastal cities with a specific focus on fishing related waste. 

The objectives in this work package support the findings from our recent Big Beach Clean, which highlighted that 15 times more fishing related waste was collected by citizen scientists on beaches in the west of the country in comparison to 2023. Through Free LitterAT we have been engaging with ports and other marine stakeholders to review waste management practices and shine a light on the issue. 

Work Package 4 - Reducing marine litter and associated risks, by developing and demonstrating procedures, systems and manuals, with the aim of sharing this knowledge with those in charge of clean-up interventions.      

Clean Coasts’ experience in mobilising communities in meaningful environmental action and building strong stakeholder networks have been very beneficial in relation to this part of the project.  To date we have, exchanged knowledge with partners, informed best practice guides, and encouraged coastal users, such as dive clubs to get involved in the project. 

In addition, we have built new partnerships with similar projects taking place in Ireland and have engaged with government departments and statutory bodies responsible for implementing the legislations relevant to this project. Our contributions are also communicated alongside other partners to an OSPAR advisory committee.