Does macroplastic really concern the fisherman? - An insight into the Norwegian fishing industry's macroplastic management today and in the future

How does macroplastics actually concern the fisherman? That is the question that this qualitative research of the fishing industry along the Norwegian coast aims to answer by interviewing Norwegian fishermen as well as observing their methods for macroplastic pollution mitigation. According to WWF (2024), we have lost one-third of marine life since 1970, with plastic pollution being a significant cause alongside overfishing, destruction of the seabed, climate change, acidification, and pollution. Organizations like Fishing for Litter, in collaboration with SALT Lofoten AS and the Norwegian Environment Agency, has removed 743 tons of waste along the Norwegian coast since 2016 (Fishing for Litter, 2024). Furthermore, the Norwegian Environment Agency (2024) reports that along with consumers, the fishing and aquaculture industries are the primary national source of plastic waste in the Norwegian sea. Based on this amongst other research on the impact of oceanic plastic pollution, this study aims to understand Norwegian fishermen's attitudes towards macroplastic management and observe their actions—or inactions—in mitigating macroplastic pollution. How is the plastic handled? Are the fishers aware of or concerned about their own actions? What do they need from the government to be able to act sustainably? These research questions are answered by the conduction of a field study in the north of Norway using a qualitative mixed methods design. The research includes in depth interviews with fishermen regarding their attitudes and actions towards macro plastic pollution mitigation to reveal changes that have already been made as well as opportunities for improvement. Additionally, the research includes observations of the current state of macroplastic management on the fishing boats as well as in the ports. By utilizing methodological approach the study aims to highlight how attitudes, shifts in attitudes and structural changes within the fishing industry can affect macroplastics management. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559608/document