Hardware Podcasts

Using Smart Fishing Nets to Sustain Biodiversity and Support Fishers with Dr. Jennifer Blain and Dr. Jesse Senko of ASU

Hardware to Save a Planet · 22 Dec 2022 · 43m · Episode 16

What this episode covers

Dr. Jennifer Blain Christen and Dr. Jesse Senko of Arizona State University discuss their solar-powered submersible LED buoys designed to reduce bycatch in gill net fisheries. The cylindrical devices integrate flexible solar panels and blinking LEDs to deter sea turtles, whales, and sharks from entanglement while maintaining fisher catch. Initial trials in Mexico showed a nearly 70% reduction in bycatch and a 10-20% increase in target yellowtail catch, leading to high demand from global fishing communities. The team is now partnering with Synapse to refine manufacturing and scale production to hundreds, aiming for a mission-based distribution model to make the technology accessible to small-scale fishers worldwide.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Arizona State University, Synapse, World Wildlife Fund
Also
Disney Conservation Hero Award

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