Jersey prisoners help to recycle fishing waste

About 2km of netting has been sorted for recycling throughout the year

A pilot scheme by Jersey Prison Service is helping to reduce fishing waste.

Prisoners at La Moye prison have been separating the mixed materials used in fishing gear so that it can be recycled or reused.

Mire than 14 tonnes of rope, 68 fishing pots, and 2,000m (6,560ft) of netting have been sorted for recycling throughout the year.

Gemma Lofthouse, from the prison service, said the prisoners were "doing their bit for the climate emergency".

She said the collaboration project between Marine Resources, Ports of Jersey, Solid Waste, Jersey Fishermen's Association and the Jersey Prison Service was having a "positive impact."

'Recycling solution'

Ms Lofthouse added: "It has gone very well, with prisoners recycling lobster pots and fishing gear that has been left.

"The prisoners are determined to do a good job and doing their bit for the climate emergency, working at an incredible pace to get the job done.

"The hard work, dedication, and practical skills used in completing this role gives them great experience to secure a job upon release."

Fishers can leave unwanted fishing pots and nets at a drop-off zone at La Collette, which is then sent to La Moye prison for sorting.

Jersey Marine Science and Research Officer Alex Plaster said: "The prison service have been doing a fantastic job with this project, their dedication to it has been incredible.

"There have always been issues in the past where fishers did not have anywhere suitable to get rid of their old fishing gear. Often the labour involved in separating these materials was too time consuming, but now we have a solution."