The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) will open Discarded Fishnet Collection Centres in Pudukottai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Thanjavur districts. These centres help collect old fishing nets to reduce marine pollution and recycle them. Site selection is underway, with Pudukottai’s centre located at Kottaipattinam village, covering about 1,500 sq. ft. In Nagapattinam, the chosen site is near the fishing harbour, while Tiruvarur’s centre will be in Muthupet. This project is part of TN-SHORE, funded by the World Bank, aiming to control plastic waste and protect marine life. Fishermen will receive incentives for handing in discarded nets. "The discarded fishing nets left in the sea could pose a serious threat to marine species which could get entrapped in them besides affecting the marine eco-systems," officials said. This community-driven effort follows a state government order from July last year promoting collection and recycling of ghost nets across 14 coastal districts. The goal is to protect the marine environment while offering support to fisherfolk along Tamil Nadu’s coastline.