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A marine debris removal diver conducts an assessment of a derelict net conglomerate at Midway Atoll, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands | Credit: JIMAR/NOAA PIFSC​

Fishing for Energy

Credit: JIMAR/NOAA PIFSC​
In This Section:

The Fishing for Energy partnership provides commercial fishermen with no-cost solutions to dispose of derelict and retired fishing gear and offers competitive grants to reduce the impacts of derelict fishing gear on the environment. By helping prevent and remove derelict gear, Fishing for Energy restores the quality of marine and coastal habitats, and supports the communities and industries that rely on these resources.

Partners

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.

Fishing for Energy priorities include:

  • ​Disposal Opportunities: provide collection bins at strategic ports for commercial fishermen to unload gear;
  • Regulation: collaborate with state managers to address legal impediments of derelict fishing gear removal;
  • Technological Innovation: identify, test and deploy innovations to address accidental introduction of derelict fishing gear into the marine environment and innovations to reduce the effectiveness of gear once lost; and,
  • Outreach and Education: educate the public about the impacts of derelict fishing gear and Fishing for Energy initiatives to make measurable change.

Through March 2020, Fishing for Energy has provided collection bins at 56 ports in 13 states, collecting over 4 million pounds of fishing gear. In many cases, gear is first sorted at Schnitzer Steel Industries for metals recycling, and the remaining non-recyclable material is converted into energy at Covanta locations. Alternatively, a port may form its own partnership with recyclers and waste-to-energy facilities to best serve its community’s needs. In total, Fishing for Energy has awarded over $5.1 million in grants to more than 55 projects in 17 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Application Information


Fishing for Energy 2021 Request for Proposals - CLOSED View Now
How to Manage Your New Grant Webinar Recording View Now
10 Tips for Grantees View Now
Interim Programmatic Report Guidance View Now
Final Programmatic Report Guidance View Now

Program FAQ


How do I receive announcements?

E-mail kaitlin.goldsmith@nfwf.org to be added to the notification list for announcements of new solicitations.

Fishing for Energy: Becoming a Bin Host Download the PDF
Fishing for Energy Fact Sheet Download the PDF
Fishing for Energy 2021 Grant Slate Download the PDF
Recycle With Fishing for Energy View Website
Fishing for Energy Bin Map Download the PDF
Fostering Outreach on Marine Debris Download the PDF
Bin Program Acceptable Gear List Download the PDF
Fishing for Energy Bin Program 2020 Grant Slate Download the PDF
Fishing for Energy 2020 Grant Slate Download the PDF
Fishing for Energy 2019 Grant Slate Download the PDF
Fishing for Energy 2018 Grant Slate Download the PDF
Fishing for Energy 2009-2015 Grant Slates Download the PDF
Staff Representatives

Senior Program Director, Marine Conservation

Regional Program Coordinator