WWF is launching the 2014 International Smart Gear Competition this weekend.
The competition seeks and supports innovative solutions to address fisheries bycatch, and runs from 1 March until 31 August 2014.
“The Smart Gear Competition aims to spur ideas for environmentally-friendly fishing gear that allows fishermen to fish smarter while helping to maintain ocean health,” said Alfred Schumm, Leader of WWF’s Global Smart Fishing Initiative. “In addition to fishermen losing millions of dollars each year due to bycatch, many other species, including endangered marine life, are unintentionally and needlessly killed by antiquated fishing gear and it is jeopardizing their survival.”
The 2014 International Smart Gear Competition will offer its largest prize purse to date, totalling $65,000, including:
- A grand prize of $30,000 and two $10,000 runner-up prizes
- A $7,500 special prize will be awarded to the idea that identifies a solution to reduce the amount of bycatch found in both purse seine and longline tuna fisheries in the waters of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
- A $7,500 special prize that will be awarded to the entry judged to most effectively reduce the bycatch of marine mammals in gillnet fisheries
After the prizes are awarded, WWF works with each of the winners to bring their ideas to life and see them implemented in fisheries around the world.
For more information, official competition rules, and instructions on how to enter, please visit www.smartgear.org.
