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KIMO UK
UK coastal municipalities working for healthier seas
KIMO UK brings together coastal local authorities to exchange knowledge, influence national policy and deliver practical action to protect marine environments. Established in 1991, the network has particular expertise in marine litter, pollution, maritime safety and marine conservation. Its flagship Fishing for Litter programme, launched in the UK in 2004, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, with more than 70 participating harbours, over 600 vessels and more than 3,000 tonnes of marine litter collected. KIMO UK is now working to increase recycling of Fishing for Litter waste, including through a pilot at a Scottish harbour, while exploring opportunities to expand the programme. The network is also investigating PFAS pollution around Scottish coastlines, participating in KIMO’s international PFAS working group, developing a three-to-five-year strategic plan and strengthening partnerships with organisations including the Scottish Islands Federation and the Local Government Association Coastal Special Interest Group. These activities reflect KIMO UK’s continuing commitment to practical action, collaboration and long-term environmental improvement.
Key Priorities for KIMO UK
Marine Litter
Preventing and removing marine litter through Fishing for Litter, beach cleaning, education, research and policy advocacy across the UK.
PFAS & Chemical Pollution
Investigating PFAS contamination and promoting practical measures that enable local authorities to reduce chemical pollution.
Fishing for Litter
Working with fishermen and harbours to remove marine litter, improve waste management, increase recycling and expand participation.
Beach Cleaning
Supporting strategic voluntary beach cleaning while advocating for resources and approaches that deliver lasting reductions in marine litter.
Maritime Safety
Promoting safer, cleaner shipping and stronger protection from pollution and environmental risks associated with maritime activity.
Marine Conservation
Representing coastal authorities on marine conservation issues and supporting action to protect healthy seas and coastal communities.
Meet the KIMO UK Board
KIMO UK's Projects
Marine Litter
Fishing Net Recycling Scotland
A pilot scheme demonstrating how end-of-life fishing nets could be collected from Scottish harbours and recycled into new plastic products.
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Marine Litter
Fishing for Litter Education Programme
Educational resources helping primary-school children understand marine litter, its impacts on wildlife and what happens to plastic in the environment.
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Marine Litter
Fishing for Litter Recycling Pilot
Testing ways to recycle waste collected through Fishing for Litter rather than sending marine litter to disposal, supporting a more circular approach.
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Marine Litter
Pitch In
A KIMO-Fidra collaboration tackling microplastic pollution from artificial pitches by promoting best practices to keep microplastic infill out of our seas.
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Marine Litter
Fishing for Litter UK
A long-running scheme working with fishermen to remove marine litter from UK waters and bring it ashore for responsible disposal and recycling.
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Related News & Press Releases
Contact KIMO UK’s National Coordinator
Contact KIMO UK about membership, marine pollution, Fishing for Litter, PFAS, beach cleaning or partnership opportunities. The Coordinator can explain current activities and connect you with the UK network.
