Netless Marine Protection Technology

Scaling Ocean Impact Through Innovation and Collaboration: Reflections from UNOC3

oesmd — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 06:46:49 +0000

The United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice brought together a dynamic mix of scientists, policy leaders, innovators, artists, and civil society organisations with one shared purpose, to protect and restore the ocean through scalable, inclusive action. This year’s theme focused on moving from dialogue to delivery, and we were honoured to contribute to the global momentum through keynote participation, technology demonstrations, and partnership engagement.

Our presentation shared real examples of ocean innovation being deployed. We showcased Wingfurl™, our auxiliary wind propulsion system designed to decarbonise shipping; Netless™, a selective fishing and plastic retrieval system; and Streamesh™, a microplastics recovery module. These technologies are not future concepts. They are real tools being tested and deployed to address the most urgent issues affecting our marine ecosystems- carbon emissions, ocean plastic, and destructive fishing practices.

The keynote session, hosted by JB Dondolo, Inc. and the APEX Development Foundation, was a standout moment. We were privileged to share the stage with environmental artist Anna Stern, whose thought-provoking work has brought fresh awareness to sustainability. Her creative perspective underscored a powerful theme echoed throughout the conference: that true change happens when diverse sectors, science, art, technology, and grassroots action-work together.

Also presenting was Think Ocean CIC, a member of the Upstream Horizon Consortium, representing on-the-ground community engagement and habitat restoration projects. Their contribution reaffirmed the importance of blending global systems with local action. Whether through technology or traditional knowledge, the pathway to change must be collaborative, inclusive, and practical.

For us, UNOC3 was not just a talking shop. Several connections made during the week have already evolved into working groups, co-design initiatives, and regional pilots. From Africa to Asia, from coastal communities to international finance partners, there is clear movement toward co-investing in impact. This gathering gave us hope, because it showed that when dialogue leads to action, a healthier ocean becomes truly possible.

Europe’s Maritime Clusters Unite Around Scalable Ocean Innovation

oesmd — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:15:23 +0000

Across Europe, maritime innovation is becoming more than a policy priority, it’s becoming a shared mission. That was evident at a recent high-level gathering in Luxembourg, hosted by the European Network of Maritime Clusters and the Luxembourg Maritime Cluster. The event brought together presidents and vice presidents of leading maritime clusters from across Europe, including the President of the Tunisian Maritime Cluster, for a timely and strategic dialogue on innovation, sustainability, and industrial transformation.

The discussion revolved around some of the most urgent challenges facing the maritime sector today: the persistence of plastic pollution and unsustainable fishing practices, the long lifecycle and high emissions of traditional shipping fleets, and the increasing pressure for decarbonisation from both regulatory and public stakeholders. These are not future threats, they are present-day problems with significant consequences for the economy and the environment alike.

We were honoured to contribute to these discussions by presenting our suite of ocean-impact technologies that directly respond to these concerns. These include Netless™, our selective fishing system that removes plastic and avoids bycatch; Wingfurl™, an auxiliary wind propulsion solution engineered to retrofit and future-proof commercial vessels against carbon targets; and Streamesh™, which enables onboard microplastics recovery in a modular, scalable form.

These innovations aren’t speculative. Technologies bricks are already being tested and reaching the operational engineering stage in natural environments, and representing a practical, near-term path forward for sustainable maritime transformation. They are cost effective, easy to maintain and implement and are economically viable.

The response from maritime cluster leadership was overwhelmingly positive. Several delegates highlighted the potential for pilot deployment across the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, and discussed collaborative approaches for scaling solutions through cluster-wide adoption, co-financing instruments, and alignment with the European Union’s Horizon Europe and WestMED strategies.

This event confirmed our belief that collaborative implementation is key to meaningful ocean impact. Innovation alone is not enough, it must be matched with aligned governance, accessible pathways for adoption, and shared investment. As we continue these conversations, we look forward to turning the goodwill expressed in Luxembourg into partnerships that bring measurable results at sea and across port economies.

Ocean Innovation Spotlighted at Blue Ocean Dome, Expo 2025 Osaka

oesmd — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:41:07 +0000

The Blue Ocean Dome, one of the most anticipated and symbolic venues of Expo 2025 Osaka, became the stage for an inspiring showcase of next-generation ocean technologies and sustainability-driven collaboration. As the first private pavilion in the history of World Expos dedicated solely to the ocean, it has already positioned itself as a landmark not only of design and architecture but also of global ambition for regenerative marine innovation.

As part of the Dome’s series of high-level engagements and keynote sessions, we were proud to share our sustainability-focused marine technologies with an audience of global decision-makers, innovators, and public visitors. Our participation in this historic venue was made possible through the longstanding collaboration with SARAYA Group and the ZERI Foundation, organizations that have consistently championed the intersection of environmental stewardship and systemic innovation.

At the heart of our presentation was the unveiling of a holistic approach to ocean impact. This included demonstrations and discussions around our integrated solutions: Wingfurl™, an auxiliary wind propulsion system designed to decarbonise commercial shipping; Netless™, a selective fishing system addressing bycatch and plastic retrieval; and Streamesh™, a modular microplastics recovery system designed for deployment across multiple vessel types.

These technologies are not theoretical concepts, they are engineered for immediate implementation, with pilot programs such as the integrated Blue Fishery™ initiative already underway in regions aligned with the EU green deal, Ocean pact, startup & scale up strategy, , bilateral strategic partnership with GCC, WestMED Initiative and European Network of Maritime Clusters. Scalable solutions that aim not only to mitigate harm but also to regenerate and restore marine ecosystems through real-world application.The Blue Ocean Dome itself is a manifestation of ocean-first values. Designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban using biomimicry and constructed with low-impact materials, the Dome served as both a symbolic and practical arena for advancing marine sustainability. It will remain engraved in the long list of the 37 world expos recognized by the Bureau International des Expositions (BEI) , held around the world since 1851, as the first privately financed pavilion exclusively dedicated to the ocean.

The event reaffirmed our belief that innovation must serve both the planet and people. Our thanks go to the SARAYA Group, the ZERI Foundation, and all Expo 2025 partners who made the Blue Ocean Dome a reality. We look forward to deepening the relationships and conversations sparked in Osaka, and to bringing these shared visions to life through transnational partnerships, co-funded implementation frameworks, and continued technological advancement.

Together, we move forward toward a marine economy where human ingenuity nurtures rather than depletes the ocean, a future that begins with innovation but is sustained through collaboration.

Engineering Ocean Solutions for a Sustainable Maritime Future: The Landscape and Science Behind Netless and Wingfurl

oesmd — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 06:08:21 +0000

Net Illumination to Reduce Sea Turtle Bycatch

Ashton Porter — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:46:47 +0000

Bycatch, the unintended capture of non-target species during commercial fishing, is one of the most significant challenges facing the global fishing industry. While the primary focus may be on harvesting specific fish like tuna, shrimp, or cod, countless marine animals such as dolphins, sea turtles, and various shark species become unintended casualties. This problem not only disrupts ecosystems but also threatens vulnerable and endangered species.

The Scale of the Issue

Bycatch accounts for an estimated 20 million tons of marine life discarded each year, with some estimates reaching up to 40% of the total global catch. This widespread issue reduces populations of non-target species, leading to ecosystem imbalances that can have long-term consequences.

Consequences for Marine Ecosystems

The capture and removal of unintended species disrupt food chains and impact breeding cycles, reducing biodiversity. For example, when apex predators like sharks are caught as bycatch, their absence creates a ripple effect that can lead to overpopulation of certain fish species and depletion of crucial habitats like coral reefs.

Solutions for Sustainable Fishing

Addressing bycatch requires the adoption of more selective fishing gear, improved monitoring systems, and stricter regulations. At Netless, we’re doing our part by developing a solution that facilitates more sustainable fishing practices that reduces bycatch. Find out more about our technology HERE.

Ocean Plastic Pollution Threatens Marine Extinction

Ashton Porter — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:39:31 +0000

Plastic pollution has infiltrated every corner of the world’s oceans, presenting an existential threat to marine life and ecosystems. From microplastics to large debris, the impact is profound and far-reaching.

Microplastics: The Invisible Danger

These tiny plastic particles, are particularly insidious as they can be ingested by small fish and plankton, entering the marine food chain. Once consumed, these plastics can accumulate toxins, which are then passed up the food chain to larger predators, including humans.

Physical and Chemical Impact

Larger plastic items, such as discarded fishing nets, known as “ghost nets,” and packaging waste, entangle marine animals, causing injury or death. Additionally, plastic breaks down into harmful chemicals over time. These substances disrupt the hormonal balance of marine organisms, impairing their reproduction and growth.

The Ripple Effect on Ecosystems

The presence of plastic not only harms individual animals but also alters entire ecosystems. Coral reefs, already threatened by climate change, are further damaged when plastic debris smothers them, preventing photosynthesis and leading to coral bleaching.

Taking Action to Combat Plastic Pollution

Addressing plastic pollution involves systemic change, from reducing plastic production to improving waste management and promoting global cleanup efforts. Public awareness and policy shifts, such as banning single-use plastics and promoting biodegradable materials, are essential steps toward reducing oceanic plastic pollution. We are proud to be contributing to cleanup efforts with our multi-purpose bubble-curtain innovation. Find out more HERE.

Effects Of Net Fishing in Queensland Inshore Waters

Ashton Porter — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:31:43 +0000

Net fishing, while effective for large-scale harvesting, inflicts significant damage on marine ecosystems and fish populations. To create a more sustainable future, the shift toward net-free fishing practices must be prioritised to protect marine biodiversity and reduce unintended environmental harm.

The Devastating Impact Of Nets

Traditional net fishing methods, such as trawling and drift nets, capture fish indiscriminately, leading to overfishing and bycatch. Non-target species like sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks are frequently caught, resulting in a sharp decline in biodiversity. Furthermore, the use of large nets damages critical marine habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds, which serve as essential breeding and nursery grounds.

Ghost Nets: A Persistent Threat

Lost or discarded fishing nets, known as ghost nets, continue to pose a lethal threat to marine life long after their intended use. These nets drift across the ocean, trapping fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, causing death and disrupting ecosystems.

The Case For Net-Free Alternatives

Net-free fishing methods, offer more sustainable options that allow for selective harvesting and significantly reduce bycatch. Additionally, innovative technologies, like Netless that uses bubble curtains provide safe and ethical ways to fish. Our non-invasive solution minimises environmental disruption and encourages selective fishing, reducing the unintended capture of non-target species, offering a safer, more targeted approach to fishing. Find out more HERE.

Effects Of Ghost Nets On Mediterranean Biodiversity

Ashton Porter — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:18:36 +0000

Sustainable fishing is essential to ensure the health of marine ecosystems and the continued availability of fish for future generations. As global demand for seafood continues to rise, balancing this need with the preservation of oceanic environments is more important than ever.

Why Sustainable Fishing Matters

Overfishing including that which is the result of bycatch, has pushed many fish populations to the brink of collapse, disrupting entire ecosystems and threatening the livelihoods of communities that depend on fishing. Sustainable fishing practices seek to manage fish stocks in a way that prevents overexploitation, supports ecological balance, and promotes biodiversity.

Ecological Benefits

Sustainable fishing helps maintain the natural balance of the marine ecosystem by allowing fish populations to replenish. Healthy fish populations contribute to thriving ecosystems, where each species plays a critical role in food chains. When predator and prey relationships are preserved, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other vital habitats benefit, creating resilient and diverse marine environments.

Economic and Social Impacts

Communities around the world rely on fishing for food and income. Unsustainable practices lead to dwindling fish stocks, making it difficult for small-scale fishers to sustain their livelihoods. By adopting sustainable practices, we can ensure long-term economic stability for fishing communities and preserve their way of life.

Innovative Practices for Sustainability

Innovative technologies, like Netless that uses bubble curtains provide safe and ethical ways to fish. Our non-invasive solution minimises environmental disruption and encourages selective fishing, reducing the unintended capture of non-target species, offering a safer, more targeted approach to fishing. Sustainable fishing is not just a practice; it is a commitment to stewardship and respect for the natural world. Through our technology and certification mark, we are fostering a culture of awareness, responsibility, and action, for a healthier ocean and a more sustainable world. Find out more HERE.