March 3, 2014 — WWF is launching the 2014 International Smart Gear Competition, which seeks and supports innovative solutions to address fisheries bycatch, the unintentional catch of fish and other marine species.
The competition began on Saturday and ends 31 August.
“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 USD 65,000, including: