For centuries, the oceans have been a vital resource for sustenance and livelihood. However, unsustainable fishing practices have led to the endangerment of marine life through overfishing and unintended capture, known as bycatch. Recognizing this challenge, Jesse Senko, driven by a passion for marine life and problem-solving, embarked on a mission to make a difference.
During his studies for a PhD at ASU alongside Emeritus Professor Andrew Smith, Senko discovered a groundbreaking solution: illuminating gillnets to reduce bycatch. Target fish remained unaffected by the lights, while species like sea turtles and sharks veered away, although the exact reasons behind this behavior remain under exploration. Senko's innovation didn't stop there; it extended to the development of a buoy, an evolution of his earlier work.
Senko emphasized the significance of innovations not just for conservation but also for benefiting local communities. By decreasing bycatch, fishers save valuable time and resources spent disentangling unintended catches from their nets. Moreover, it enhances safety for these fishers who often navigate challenging conditions, including rough waves and encounters with large marine animals entangled in the nets.
The idea for the buoy arose from community engagement sessions led by Senko, where local fishers brainstormed implementation methods for the light-up technology. Collaborating with ASU's engineering team, spearheaded by Associate Professor Jennifer Blain Christen, and seeking insights from renowned entities in ocean conservation, Senko developed the buoy, which proved to be an easily deployable and space-saving tool for fishers.
This collaborative approach with coastal fishing communities impressed experts like John Wang, a fisheries ecologist at NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, who praised Senko for involving these communities actively in bycatch innovation. The impact went beyond technology; it signaled a shift in how coastal fishing communities engage with conservation efforts globally.
Senko's visionary buoy runs on solar power, emitting a blinking light that effectively deters endangered species. Its design, intended to conserve battery life, inadvertently proved more efficient in deterring animals than a static light. Remarkably, the buoy can operate for about a week without sunlight on a full charge and lasts several years without needing a battery replacement.
What sets this innovation apart is its seamless integration into existing fishing equipment. Senko highlighted that the buoy is a simple addition to the fishing system, requiring no significant changes or additional maintenance, thereby minimizing resistance to adoption within the industry.
Jesse Senko's approach not only earned him recognition through the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize but also serves as a beacon for conservation efforts. Jack Kittinger from Conservation International emphasized the importance of aligning conservation with community needs, citing Senko's work as a pioneering model for a sustainable future that safeguards both wildlife and livelihoods in the blue economy.
Senko's buoy fishing technology stands as a testament to innovation harmonizing with tradition, lighting the way to a future where conservation and thriving communities coexist harmoniously.
Comments