Dear Ecolog subscribers, Fisheries bycatch is the leading threat to many endangered marine mammals, cetaceans, sea turtles, seabirds and certain fish species. To inspire innovative, practical, cost-effective ideas that allow fishermen to "fish smarter," and better target their intended catch while reducing bycatch, WWF and our partners created the International Smart Gear Competition. Now in its third year, the competition is open to all - fishermen, professional gear manufacturers, teachers, students, engineers, scientists and backyard inventors.
Please spread the word throughout your networks and submit your entries by July 31, 2007 for the chance to win the US$30,000 grand prize, or one of two US$10,000 runner-up prizes. Winning entries will be further researched and developed, to increase the likelihood that the idea will become widely available and effective! There is also a special UK prize of US$5,000 selected from all entries submitted from the UK and seek to reduce bycatch in UK fisheries.=20 For more information, including entry rules and form (also attached) please visit www.smartgear.org <outbind://43/www.smartgear.org> . Thanks and we look forward to seeing your ideas!! Best wishes, Ruba Marshood Fisheries Conservation Programme WWF-US
