It is informed that fishing for energy has been started with permanent collection at the Shinnecock Commercial fishing dock. It will be the latest port community in the northeast to participate in the innovative partnership that provides a cost-free solution for fishermen to dispose of old fishing gear that is then processed into clean, renewable energy.
The program is an initiative between Covanta Energy (Covanta), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, and Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. It is said that the Fishing for Energy partnership will place collection bins at the Town of Southampton’s Shinnecock Commercial Fishing Dock to collect old, abandoned or lost fishing gear.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Marine Program (Cornell) is also partnering with the program, resulting in a diverse, community-focused partnership aimed at reducing the burden of fishing gear disposal on area fishermen. It is fact that abandoned or lost fishing equipment can threaten marine life, impact navigational safety, and have economic repercussions on fishing and shipping enterprises and, most importantly, coastal communities.
Jeff Trandahl, executive director of National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, told that the Fishing for Energy program is proving to be of great value to 17 of our nation’s busiest commercial fishing ports. He added that they have been impressed with how our local port partners have invited the program into their communities and made it a success.
It is informed that till now over 200 tons of gear has been collected which shows the interest in dealing with marine debris and the need for this important partnership. Allyn F. Jackson, Southampton Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, said that the Town of Southampton is very grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program. He told that reducing marine debris in our coastal waters and providing free disposal of old gear will greatly benefit the Shinnecock Commercial Dock.
