Around 950 fishermen were involved in its activities, as well as 200 volunteer divers in 27 clean-ups around Europe.

More than 40 partners joined the scheme, a 500% increase in three years.

Healthy Seas was founded in 2013 to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon that is responsible for the death of marine animals. 

The nets are broken down, sorted and recycled into new nylon 6, which is then used by the swimwear and sportswear industry, as well as in carpets.

One of its partners is Italian textile company Aquafil, which makes its Econyl range of fibres partly with the waste from the nets


Image: A recent donation by asset manager DWS meant Healthy Seas could buy its own boat