With the Fishing 2010 exhibition in Glasgow getting underway today (20 May) one of the notable features of the event are the number of new companies exhibiting for the first time.
One such company is Aberdeenshire based Scotnet Recycling, which has found a significant gap in the market for the recycling of old fishing nets that saves fishermen money by taking away the need to discard old gear into expensive and environmentally unfriendly landfill.
The idea for the business is the brainchild of Tina Lee, which came about after her husband Shane brought some old netting home. She quickly realised that old netting and associated equipment such as rubber rockhopper gear had excellent potential for recycling, given the nature of the materials they are made from.
This resulted in her setting up Scotnet Recycling, which is a free service that takes old netting and other gear such as wooden wire reels from fishermen. The company then finds outlets and markets for the material for recycling.
For example, the material in the rockhopper equipment can be utilised to manufacture granulated rubber chips that are used in protective cushioned areas of children’s playgrounds.
Speaking at Fishing 2010, Tina Lee said: “The response we have had from fishermen and ports has been overwhelming. About 90 per cent of a fishing net can be recycled, which makes great environmental sense as none of this material is biodegradable. It also saves fishermen from having to pay to discard such equipment.”
Other highlights on the first day of the exhibition include the start of the ‘Fisherman of the Year’ competition with prizes worth at least £5,000 on offer in a three-day event to seek out the UK’s most experienced and proficient fisherman. The tough competition aims to find the UK’s top commercial fisherman through a series of challenges against the clock that will test their skills and practical knowledge.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive seminar programme has been lined up for tomorrow (Friday 21 May), including an address by Scottish fisheries minister Richard Lochhead, followed by a tour of the stands. There will also be fishing vessels on display and fish cookery demonstrations.
On Saturday (22 May) there will be a showing of he controversial fisheries film End of the Line, followed by a debate that will include its maker, the environmental journalist Charles Clover. Also participating in the discussion session before fishermen will be a panel comprising Bertie Armstrong of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, Louize Hill of WWF Scotland, Phil MacMullen of the Seafish Industry Authority and Prof Callum Roberts of York University.
Fishing 2010 is being held at the SECC in Glasgow from 20-22 May.
