MyGearTag
A Revolutionary Solution Against Ghost Fishing Unveiled at the Scottish Skipper Expo
In the bustling hub of Scotland’s fishing industry, Succorfish made waves at the recent Scottish Skipper Expo on 9th and 10th May 2024. Held at the prestigious P&J Exhibition Centre in Aberdeen, this event served as the backdrop for the launch of MyGearTag—a groundbreaking innovation poised to combat the scourge of ghost fishing plaguing our oceans.
Ghost fishing, the silent peril born from lost fishing gear, casts a dark shadow over marine ecosystems, endangering life below the waves and disrupting fragile habitats. Lost gear, inadvertently abandoned or misplaced at sea, contributes significantly to this crisis. But amidst the gloom, there’s a glimmer of hope as innovations like MyGearTag emerge, offering a beacon of light in the ongoing battle to restore balance to our seas.
Understanding the Scale of the Issue:
To comprehend the gravity of the situation, consider this: nearly 2% of all fishing gear disappears annually, amounting to a staggering 25 million pots, traps, and 78,000 square kilometers of nets. These lost implements ensnare countless marine creatures, polluting our waters and wreaking havoc on delicate ecosystems. The consequences—entanglement, ingestion, and habitat destruction—are dire, posing a significant threat to marine life and biodiversity.
The Solution: MyGearTag
Enter MyGearTag, a revolutionary solution crafted from 100% recycled fishing nets. Equipped with state-of-the-art acoustic Delphis technology, MyGearTag serves as a beacon of hope in the fight against ghost fishing. With its unmatched precision and range exceeding 3km, MyGearTag transforms lost nets into a force for good, contributing to the restoration of our oceans and the protection of marine life.
Education, Regulation, and Innovation:
In our quest for sustainability, education and awareness play pivotal roles in rallying support for sustainable practices within the fishing community. Regulatory measures, enforced by Fishery Management Councils, offer promise in minimising gear loss, while certification organisations like the Marine Stewardship Council are revising standards to address the impact of lost gear. Moreover, innovative approaches such as Nets For Net Zero champion circular economies, transforming discarded gear into valuable goods through injection moulding, thereby tackling the problem at its root and promoting sustainability.
Prevention is Key:
Preventing gear loss at sea is equally crucial. Simplifying and incentivising gear recovery processes empower fishermen to retrieve equipment responsibly, curbing the incidence of gear loss and safeguarding marine ecosystems. The urgency of action cannot be overstated, as lost gear not only pollutes our oceans but also diminishes fishing yields, jeopardising food security and livelihoods.
The Power of Collaboration:
In conclusion, the launch of MyGearTag at The Scottish Skipper Expo marks a significant milestone in the fight against ghost fishing. Succorfish LTD’s collaboration with Newcastle University, UK Research and Innovation, and NetTag showcases the power of partnerships in driving innovation and addressing pressing environmental challenges. Additionally, initiatives like The Ocean Material Group’s recycling model complement our efforts, creating new economic and social opportunities for ocean-adjacent communities while reducing the negative impacts of waste on the ocean and livelihoods.
Together, let’s harness the power of innovation, collaboration, and regulatory measures to turn the tide on ghost fishing and pave the way for a cleaner, healthier ocean for generations to come.
