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World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced the launch of the 2011 International Smart Gear Competition today, to find innovative ways to reduce the amount of fisheries bycatch. Open to anyone from fisherman, backyard inventors and students, the competition will be open from March 1 to August 31, 2011.

“WWF’s goal with the Smart Gear competition is to inspire innovative ideas for environmentally-friendly fishing gear,” stated WWF VP of Fisheries Bill Fox. “In addition to fishermen losing millions of dollars each year due to bycatch, many other species, sometimes endangered marine life are unintentionally and needlessly killed by antiquated fishing gear, and it is jeopardizing their survival.

This competition identifies real-world fishing solutions that allow fishermen to fish smarter while helping to maintain ocean health.”

The 2011 International Smart Gear Competition is offering a grand prize of $30,000 and two $10,000 runner-up prizes. Additionally, in partnership with the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, the competition is offering a $7,500 special tuna prize that will be awarded to the idea that will reduce the amount of bycatch found in tuna fisheries. Tuna sustainability is the top WWF global fisheries conservation priority.

Or Contact :
International Smart Gear Competition
c/o Mike Osmond
World Wildlife Fund
171 Forest Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
U.S.A.
smartgear@smartgear.org

website: www.smartgear.org