Winners

Benefits to Fishermen and Oceans

The Eliminator - Benefits to Fishermen and Oceans

Hauling in less bycatch improves work productivity, with a three-fold reduction in sorting time on deck.
The design of the four-seam net provides opportunities for longer tows and cleaner fish, as the haddock are not damaged by the bycatch of spiny marine animals.
The trawl’s early release of nontarget marine life reduces their risk of experiencing damage or mortality.
Longer tows allow fishermen to minimize hauling and setting, so fishing time is more efficient.
Field tests indicate the catch falls within the possession limit guidelines for the Regular B-Days-At-Sea program, permitting fishermen additional time to selectively fish for haddock.
The 24-inch (60 cm) spacing of the large discs on the rockhopper sweep provides room for bottom fish to avoid capture.
The design of the rockhopper makes it lighter than current nets, so the gear has less contact on, and does less damage to, the seabed.
Cod bycatch was significantly reduced in the field tests, while flounder and skate bycatch was virtually eliminated.

The Traffic Cone is a simple and cost-effective device that requires minimal time and resources to implement.
It is a mitigation device that may help fishermen comply with international conservation agreements such as the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.
At a time when seabirds are threatened at a higher rate globally than all other species-groups of birds, reducing seabird injuries and fatalities due to bycatch could result in critical population growth over time.
Responsible fishing practices help protect seabirds, whose natural adaptations require them to live and feed off the sea.

The reduction in bycatch that could be achieved through use of the Nested Cylinder device may result in a significant drop in trawl sorting time.
Increased net retention of target species would result in a smoother and faster operation, saving fishermen on fuel costs.
As a result of reduced sorting time on deck, the quality of the target species may improve to a "cleaner" product - which could generate a higher profit margin.
Reducing bycatch of juvenile red snapper promises a chance for the stock in the region to rebuild.
Fishing vessels with improved operational efficiencies that spend less time at sea, may reduce marine pollution from boat emissions and leaks.

The Passive Porpoise Deterrent is cost-effective: a one-kilometer stretch of fishing net could be equipped with two hundred passive devices at a total cost of US$200.
Because the reflectors are similar to existing fishing floats in construction and durability, they also could be used as float replacements.
Widespread use of the device could support less expensive regulatory compliance with the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan (U.S.) and Council Regulation (E.C.) 812/2004 to mitigate incidental catches of cetaceans by fishing vessels.
The low-cost, simple design results in more attainable implementation for fishermen in developed and developing countries.
Fewer pingers are needed when they are used in combination with the passive reflector devices, potentially reducing noise pollution in the marine environment.
Implementation of the Passive Porpoise Deterrent may significantly reduce bycatch of harbor porpoises.