FARNET Guide #17: Circular economy in fisheries and aquaculture areas

FLAGs can play an important role in helping their communities transition away from the linear economic model of “take, make and dispose” and towards more sustainable practices that minimise waste and ease pressure on our natural resources. The following guide explains some of the keys concepts related to the circular economy, providing practical examples of how FLAGs can help foster the circular economy at local level.

Chapter 1 illustrates how local action can help foster change at all stages of the fisheries and aquaculture supply chain, taking the reader through the four stages of the product life cycle:

• re-thinking the design of production systems and products (eco-design)
• channelling by-products from the production process towards new economic activities
• innovating in how equipment and products are used and maintained (sharing, repairing and reusing)
• recycling materials when a product comes to the end of its life

Chapter 2 offers a series of factsheets, covering the key steps to put these concepts into action:

1. Analysing the area’s circular economy potential
2. Awareness-raising to change mindsets and behaviour
3. Building on ideas and fostering entrepreneurship
4. Building partnerships and industrial symbiosis
5. Rethinking business models and attracting investment