Sasihithlu and Tagore beaches in Karnataka are likely to join the Blue Flag category this year under the K-SHORE programme, which focuses on shoreline cleanliness and the protection of aquatic life. Sasihithlu is in Mangaluru, while Tagore beach is located in Karwar. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established to oversee the timely implementation of K-SHORE is preparing a detailed proposal for cabinet approval. Once approved, the proposal will be sent to the Union government for final clearance before the beaches can be included in the programme. The initiative also aims to tackle abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), which has emerged as a major source of marine pollution after plastic and styrofoam. Better management of ALDFG is intended to protect marine life and create a sustainable livelihood opportunity for fishermen who collect the waste. Under a proposed model, fishermen would receive incentives for bringing ALDFG ashore and handing it over to government authorities. Fishermen currently collect about 10 kg of such waste from the sea when they return three times a week, but the material is often thrown back into the water or dumped on beaches because waste management facilities are limited. The K-SHORE programme covers marine pollution, beach cleanliness, institutional strengthening, shoreline management, livelihood opportunities, community participation and plastic circulation. The Forest, Fisheries and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj departments, along with other stakeholders, are coordinating its implementation, while work is also being undertaken with urban local bodies to improve waste management in coastal settlements. Beaches must meet 33 criteria covering cleanliness, safety, environmental education, information and water quality to receive the Foundation for Environmental Education eco-label. India has 18 Blue Flag beaches, including two in Karnataka: Padubidri in Udupi and Kasarkod, also known as Eco Beach, in Uttara Kannada near Honnavar. Only three ALDFG processing centres currently operate in India, in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.