Re:Fish

Diving for Change: From Scooters to Fishing Gear in Stockholm’s Waters

Have you ever wondered what’s hiding beneath the surface of our rivers and seas? You might be surprised—and a little shocked. Marine pollution is a serious problem. Scientists estimate that there are between 75 and 199 million tonnes of plastic in the ocean, and each year, more than 11 million tonnes are added.

Even more concerning, 94% of that plastic ends up on the seabed, where we can’t even see it. Most of this waste—about 80%—actually comes from land, not the ocean itself.

To help tackle this crisis, a project called Re:Fish is making a difference in the Baltic Sea. Funded by the EU through the Interreg Central Baltic Programme, Re:Fish works to remove lost fishing gear and other rubbish from the water. The goal? A cleaner sea and safer home for marine animals.

Making a Splash on World Oceans Day

On June 8, 2025, the Re:Fish team organised a special event in Stockholm Ström, a popular fishing spot in the city. It was held to celebrate UN World Oceans Day and raise awareness about ocean pollution. The highlight of the day was a litter dive: skilled divers went underwater and collected waste from the seabed.

What Did They Find?

In just a few hours, the divers brought up a shocking amount of trash, including:

  • 22 electric scooters
  • Several bicycles
  • A Darth Vader mask (!)
  • 170 kg of tyres
  • 300 kg of other waste, including lost fishing gear

These finds show just how much rubbish ends up in our waters—and why cleanups like this are so important.

Bringing People Together

Over 500 people came to the event. Families, fishing fans, and curious locals joined in to learn more about marine life and the dangers of pollution. There were fun activities, displays, and chances to talk with experts. Events like this help people understand what’s at stake—and how we can all help.

Thanks to the Team

The event wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing work of the organisers and volunteers. A big thank you goes to:

And of course, thanks to the brave divers and helpers who made the underwater cleanup possible!

The Bigger Picture: What Re:Fish Has Done So Far

Re:Fish isn’t just about one event. Since it began in 2023, the project has:

  • Removed 4,600 metres of lost fishing nets
  • Collected over 500 kg of old fishing gear from anglers and other groups
  • Cleaned up 207 square kilometres of sea—about the size of 29,000 football fields!

The project will continue until 2026, with its mission being to combat marine pollution and promote sustainable fishing practices across the region.

Notably, Re:Fish has been selected as one of the Central Baltic Programme’s Operations of Strategic Importance (OSI)—a recognition that highlights the project’s major contribution to programme goals and shows how EU funding can make a real impact.

Why It Matters

Pollution doesn’t just look bad—it’s dangerous. Marine animals can get tangled in old nets or mistake plastic for food. By cleaning up the water and involving the community, Re:Fish is helping to protect our oceans for the future.

Want to learn more or get involved? Visit Re:Fish – Central Baltic to see how you can make a difference.

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