FISHING FOR ENERGY

The Fishing For Energy Partnership provides the fishing community no-cost options for disposing of old or unwanted gear, which are then converted to energy.

TARGET USERS: Individuals, Businesses, Industry, Government

COSTS: Free

KEY CONSIDERATIONS: The partnership program focuses on the collection of fishing gear; facilities must be available locally for waste-to-energy conversion.

MORE INFORMATION: https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/prevention/fishing-energy

CONTACT: Kaitlin.Goldsmith@NFWF.ORG

Collections: BEST PRACTICES

THE PROBLEM

Every year marine species, from lobsters and fish to sea lions and birds, become trapped or entangled in lost, abandoned or discarded fishing gear. This "derelict gear" (fishing line, nets, and pots) continues to capture fish and wildlife while at sea, even if no fishermen retrieves the catch. Lost gear can also accumulate over time, creating islands of metal and rope. Storms move these masses across the ocean floor, scouring fragile habitats like coral reefs and sea grass beds. Floating masses foul both vessels and active fishing gear, adversely impacting maritime industries.

THE SOLUTION

Fishing for Energy is a partnership between the NOAA Marine Debris Program, Covanta, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), and Schnitzer Steel Industries, to prevent and reduce the impacts of derelict fishing gear in the marine environment. The program, which is modeled after Hawaii’s Nets to Energy, provides the fishing community no-cost options for disposing of old or unwanted gear, and the old nets, line, and ropes are converted into energy.

Since 2008, the Fishing for Energy partnership has provided collection bins at 58 participating ports in 13 states, drawing over 4 million pounds of fishing gear. Gear collected at the ports is first sorted at Schnitzer Steel for metals recycling, and the remaining non-recyclable material is converted into energy at Covanta locations. Approximately one ton of derelict nets equal enough electricity to power one home for 25 days.

A portion of the nets have been retrieved directly from the ocean by fishermen, illustrating the importance of the fishing industry’s role in addressing the problem. Apart from providing direct engagement opportunities for the fishing community, the partnership has expanded to include a grant program that directly supports efforts to remove derelict fishing gear from U.S. coastal waters.