The partners and judges in the International Smart Gear Competition are scientists, fishermen, seafood suppliers, conservationists, policy experts, researchers and gear technologists.
TheAmerican Fisheries Societyis the oldest and largest professional society representing fisheries scientists. AFS promotes scientific research and enlightened management of resources for optimum use and enjoyment by the public. It seeks to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals.
TheBlue Water Fishermen's Association is a pro-active trade association representing a majority of U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico pelagic longline fishermen and related businesses with an interest in the sustainable harvest of Atlantic highly migratory species. Our fishermen are very involved in bycatch reduction research, especially circle-style hooks and careful handling/release technologies and have dedicated many years working toward effective international and domestic fisheries conservation and management.
The Center for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) is an executive agency of the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. CEFAS is an internationally renowned scientific research and advisory center working in fisheries management, environmental protection and aquaculture, often working with government departments, international agencies, commercial companies and aid organizations.
Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 400,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To learn more about Environmental Defense's oceans program, please visit www.oceansalive.org.
Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute is a science center focused on practical solutions to the most critical conservation challenges facing marine ecosystems and species. Hubbs scientists focus on developing and implementing the research initiatives of the Institute, helping to formulate policies and procedures and mentoring young scientists and students interacting with the community.
TheInter-American Tropical Tuna Commission is the Regional Fisheries Organization responsible for the conservation of tuna and other fish taken by tuna fishing vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. It has an active bycatch reduction program, particularly through the associated Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program and has recently developed a project assisting artisanal fishers reduce bycatches of turtles.
Mustadis the world's largest manufacturer of fishhooks. Founded more than 169 years ago in Gjøvik, Norway, Mustad now operates factories in Gjøvik, Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines, Portugal and China. Mustad products are exported to more than 160 countries. Mustad products are used for commercial and recreational fishing worldwide.
The National Fisheries Institute is the leading trade association for the fish and seafood industry and represents a wide spectrum of firms, from small family-owned businesses to large multinational corporations. Members include U.S. firms that operate fishing vessels and aquaculture facilities; buyers, sellers, processors, packers and distributors; and retail stores and restaurants. Members also include international interests that import or export fish and seafood to or from the United States.
Located on the Boston waterfront, the New England Aquarium is one of the most prominent and popular aquariums in the United States. Its mission is "to present, promote, and protect the world of water." Beyond its exhibit halls, the Aquarium is also a leading ocean conservation organization with research scientists working around the globe and biologists rescuing stranded marine animals in New England.
NOAA Fisheries is the federal agency responsible for stewardship of the nation's living marine resources and their habitat. A division of the Department of Commerce, NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the management, conservation and protection of living marine resources within the United States' Exclusive Economic Zone (water from 3 to 200 miles offshore). NOAA Fisheries assesses and predicts the status of fish stocks, ensures compliance with fisheries regulations and works to reduce wasteful fishing practices.
Ocean Watch Australia Ltd. is an environmental, non-government organisation sponsored by the commercial seafood industry to represent the environmental interests of industry with respect to protecting and restoring fish habitats, improving water quality and promoting sustainable fisheries.
Ocean Watch works to reduce bycatch through its project SeaNet, which is an environmental fisheries extension program to the Australian seafood industry. Through partnerships with fishers, researchers and managers, SeaNet facilitates the development and adoption of fishing gear, technology and methods aimed at minimising the bycatch and improving the ecological sustainability of fishing.
The Sea Change Investment Fund is a double-bottom line venture capital fund targeting seafood companies which meet strict sustainability and financial criteria. The Fund�s dual objectives are to increase consumer choice by expanding the sustainable seafood market and to demonstrate that seafood is profitable for the fisherman and for the investor.
Sealord Group Ltd., is a global seafood enterprise based in New Zealand with a worldwide fishing, processing and marketing network. Sealord is one of New Zealand's largest fishing companies, specializing in deep water species, and has actively supported the development of fishing gear and methods that reduce accidental capture of seabirds and mammals.
The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) is an autonomous intergovernmental body established as a regional treaty organization in 1967 to promote fisheries development in Southeast Asia. SEAFDEC aims specifically to develop the fishery potentials in the region through training, research and information services to improve the food supply by rational utilization and development of the fisheries resources.
The mission of the WorldFish Center is to reduce poverty and hunger by improving fisheries and aquaculture. The Center provides sound scientific knowledge needed to increase fish production, improve the management of fisheries and other aquatic ecosystems, reverse habitat degradation, and influence policies involving fish and the people who depend on them. The WorldFish Center is one of 15 international research organizations supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).
NSW Department of Primary Industries acts in partnership with industry and other public sector organisations to foster profitable and sustainable development of primary industries in New South Wales.
With a staff of 3700 based at over 130 locations across the state, the department delivers a wide range of services to primary industries and rural communities. There is an emphasis on front-line services.
The department was formed in July 2004 with the amalgamation of Mineral Resources NSW, NSW Agriculture, NSW Fisheries and State Forests NSW.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is the lead federal government department responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs in support of Canada's economic, ecological and scientific interests in oceans and inland waters.
This mandate includes responsibility for the conservation and sustainable use of Canada's fisheries resources while continuing to provide safe, effective and environmentally sound marine services that are responsive to the needs of Canadians in a global economy.
The Northeast Consortium was created in 1999 to encourage and fund effective, equal partnerships among commercial fishermen, scientists, and other stakeholders to engage in cooperative research and monitoring projects in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank. The Consortium consists of four research institutions (University of New Hampshire, University of Maine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), which are working together to foster this initiative.
The Northeast Consortium administers an annual award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA fisheries) to fund cooperative research in support of ecosystem management and sustainability of the marine environment.
The Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish) works across all sectors of the UK seafood industry to promote good quality, sustainable seafood. Their research and projects are aimed at raising standards, improving efficiency and ensuring that the UK seafood industry develops in a viable way.
They are the UK's only cross-industry seafood body working with fishermen, processors, wholesalers, seafood farmers, fish friers, caterers, retailers and the import/export trade.
A Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB), Seafish is sponsored by the four UK government fisheries departments and funded by a levy on seafood. They were established in 1981.