07 Feb 2007 - Gland, Switzerland – WWF has launched its
third annual international Smart Gear Competition, seeking
new designs for fishing gear that reduces marine bycatch
— the accidental catch and related deaths of millions of
marine species in nets and longlines each year.
The international competition will award a US$30,000 grand
prize and two US$10,000 runner-up prizes to the designs
judged to be the most practical, cost-effective methods
for reducing bycatch of any species.
The competition is open to eligible entrants from any background,
including fishermen, professional gear manufacturers, teachers,
students, engineers, scientists and backyard inventors.
"We want to encourage people from different countries
and backgrounds from around the world to enter this competition
to make fishing practices smarter," says James Leape,
WWF's Director General.
“WWF is working around the world to reduce the death and
waste of seabirds, turtles, dolphins, juvenile fish and
other animals through entanglement with fishing gear. Often
the best innovations come from fishers themselves. This
is a unique opportunity to hear about practical solutions
to help tackle one of the greatest threats to our seas."
Last year’s winner was a New Jersey inventor who designed
fishing gear that could save thousands of sharks from accidentally
dying on fishing lines each year. The winner’s design uses
a shark's ability to detect magnetic fields as a way to
protect them by placing strong magnets just above baited
hooks. The design will be tested this spring and summer
in advance of potential commercial use.
The winner of the Smart Gear Competition will be decided
by a diverse set of judges, including fishermen, researchers,
engineers and fisheries managers from all over the world.
Instructions for entering this year's competition are available
at www.smartgear.org. Completed entries must be submitted
by 31 July 2007.
Tom Lalley, Media Relations Director
Sarah Bladen, WWF Communications Manager - WWF Global Marine
Programme
Jo Benn, WWF Communications Manager - WWF Global Species
Programme
