Third Annual Smart Gear Competition Launched, $30,000 Prize for Fishing Gear that Reduces “Bycatch”

“WWF created the Smart Gear Competition because bycatch is the leading threat to many endangered whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sea birds and non-target fish around the world,” said Mike Russill, President and CEO of WWF-Canada. “WWF focuses on real-world solutions to environmental problems. Fishermen are eager to avoid catching sea turtles, sea birds and non-target fish, but often lack the affordable, easy-to-use fishing gear to do it. Smart Gear is a great way to get that kind of gear from inventor to fisherman.”

The winning designer will receive a $30,000 grand prize (all figures are in U.S. dollars). There will also be two $10,000 runner-up prizes. Entries will be judged on whether they are innovative, practical, and cost-effective, whether they reduce bycatch of any species, and make an important contribution to conservation. The judges include fishermen, researchers, engineers and fisheries managers from all over the world.

The competition is open to eligible entrants from any background, including fishermen, professional gear manufacturers, teachers, students, engineers, scientists and backyard inventors. Instructions for entering the competition are available at www.smartgear.org. Completed entries must be submitted by July 31, 2007.

“Fisheries and Oceans Canada is pleased to be contributing funding to WWF’s Smart Gear competition,” said the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. “Bycatch is a serious problem and this competition is one way that governments can work with the fishing industry and local communities to develop innovative technologies to address this issue.”

Last year’s winner was an 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.

For official competition rules and to learn how to enter, please visit www.smartgear.org. The competition begins February 7, 2007 and ends July 31, 2007.