JemsNETLOOP
Priority Axis 2: Green investments in environmental protection and efficient risk management
Operation start date: 1 June 2026
Operation completion date: 31 May 2028
Budget: EUR 577.556,54
Number of partners: 4
Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The NETLOOP project aims to promote the transition towards a circular and resource-efficient economy in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro by developing innovative solutions for the collection, monitoring, recycling, and reuse of end-of-life (EOL) fishing nets. The project addresses common cross-border challenges related to marine pollution caused by abandoned and discarded fishing nets,, the lack of reliable data on abandoned fishing nets, fragmented waste management practices, and limited stakeholder awareness by establishing a joint circular economy approach for the sustainable management of fishing net waste. Planned activities include the development of the NETWATCH digital platform for circular management of EOL fishing nets, underwater mapping and monitoring using innovative technologies, pilot actions for the recovery and recycling of discarded fishing nets, the production of value-added products from recycled materials, and the implementation of joint awareness-raising campaigns and specialised training programmes. Through pilot activities, digital innovation, stakeholder engagement, capacity-building activities, and cross-border knowledge exchange, the project will strengthen the capacities of public authorities, research institutions, and the fisheries sector to implement circular economy solutions, reduce marine pollution, improve resource efficiency, and support the long-term protection of the Adriatic Sea across the Programme area.
Beneficiaries:
The Lead Partner (LP), University of Zagreb, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences (HR), is responsible for the overall coordination and management of the project. It oversees project implementation, financial and administrative management, partner coordination, reporting, and quality assurance. Through its Department of Water Transport, the Faculty leads the development of the NETWATCH digital platform, coordinates the implementation of the joint circular economy framework for end-of-life (EOL) fishing nets, supervises pilot activities, and ensures the long-term sustainability and transferability of project results across the Programme area.
Municipality of Neum (BA) is responsible for implementing pilot activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina by supporting the development of sustainable management solutions for end-of-life fishing nets. It contributes to the assessment of fishing net waste streams, stakeholder consultations, pilot implementation, and awareness-raising activities, while promoting cooperation with local authorities, the fisheries sector, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate the practical application and replication of circular economy solutions.
University of Dubrovnik (HR) provides scientific and technical expertise in marine robotics, circular economy, and environmental protection. As the leader of Work Package 3, it coordinates communication, dissemination, training, and awareness-raising activities, leads the assessment of fishing net volumes in Croatia, supports underwater monitoring and pilot testing, evaluates project results, and strengthens knowledge transfer and capacity building across the Programme area.
University of Montenegro – Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor (ME) provides scientific expertise in maritime technologies, environmental protection, and blue economy development. As the leader of Work Package 2, it coordinates the development and testing of innovative processes and monitoring methods for end-of-life fishing nets, supports underwater exploration and pilot implementation in Montenegro, contributes to communication and training activities, and promotes the long-term replication of circular economy solutions for marine environmental protection throughout the Programme area.
