Each year, 25 million pots, 14 billion hooks, nearly 740,000 km of fishing lines, and enough nets to cover Scotland enter our oceans, forming deadly traps for marine life.

Ghost gear is considered the deadliest form of marine plastic debris, killing over 136,000 seals and whales annually and entangling more than 700 species.

Its persistence exacerbates the plastic pollution crisis, threatening biodiversity and damaging ocean ecosystems.

Organised by Seashell and The Captain Paul Watson foundation, this event brings together Scotland’s most dedicated ocean conservation groups, media, policymakers, and influential leaders. The goal is to foster collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and align efforts for meaningful change.

The focus is on coordinating cleanup operations, sharing strategies, and developing a clear roadmap to recover and repurpose ocean debris. By transforming waste into lasting, sustainable solutions, the event aims to drive impactful action for marine conservation.

In October 2025 we’ll host a high-impact summit to turn ideas into action.

The Focus:

• Recycling & upcycling solutions
• Engaging policymakers & industry leaders.
• Designing a Scotland-wide Action Plan for Coastal Debris Management

The Vision:
A blueprint for large-scale coastal debris recovery and repurposing, with measurable impact.