Fishing for Energy

What We Do

Announcements

3/22/2013
Fishing for Energy Fund Announces New Awards

Due Dates

No Current Due Dates

FAQ

How do I receive announcements?
E-mail Erin.Hofmann@nfwf.org to be added to the notification list for announcements of new solicitations.
Who is eligible to participate in the bin collection program?
Any location accessible to commercial fishermen is eligible to submit a port nomination form to the Fishing for Energy partnership. Every submission will be considered for participation in the collection program.
Where does the fishing gear go once collected?
Metals are recycled and large ropes sheared at Schnitzer Steel facilities. All remaining materials are converted into renewable energy at Covanta own or operated Waste to Energy facilities.
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Covanta volunteer assisting in derelict fishing gear disposal | Credit: Erin Hofmann

Fishing for Energy
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 Fishing for Energy partnership works to address this problem in two ways: by providing commercial fishermen with no-cost opportunities to dispose of derelict and retired fishing gear, and by offering grant support for direct removal and assessment efforts. By assisting in prevention and removal of derelict fishing gear, Fishing for Energy restores the quality of marine and coastal habitats and supports the communities and industries that rely on these resources.

Funding priorities for this program include:
- At-sea derelict fishing gear removal that targets “hotspot” gear accumulation sites;
- Direct engagement of the fishing community in gear assessment and removal efforts;
- Density and impact assessments of derelict gear in collaboration with the state to inform development of fishery management plans; and,
- Collection and removal efforts that use the Fishing for Energy waste stream.
Through 2012, the Fishing for Energy partnership has provided removal services at 37 ports in nine states, collecting over 1.8 million pounds of fishing gear. Gear collected at the ports is first sorted at Schnitzer Steel Industries for metals recycling, and the remaining non-recyclable material is converted into energy at Covanta Energy locations. Through the Fishing for Energy grants fund, $330,000 has been awarded for seven projects engaging over 600 fishermen. Their goal is to collect more than 400,000 pounds of debris.

This program has been featured at local, regional, and international events including the Fifth International Marine Debris Conference, the New Bedford Working Waterfront Festival and SWANA Regional Conferences. Fishing for Energy is a partnership between NFWF and NOAA's Marine Debris Program, Covanta Energy Corporation and Schnitzer Steel Industries.