M - Expertise Marine Inc. at the International Fishing Gear Innovation Summit: Collaboration for Sustainable Fisheries

This week, M - Expertise Marine Inc. is in Moncton for the 2nd International Fishing Gear Innovation Summit, a key event bringing together fishers, researchers, policymakers, and technology developers to discuss the future of sustainable fishing.

Collaboration is at the heart of innovation, and we are here to reconnect with our partners, exchange insights with industry experts, and continue developing projects that bridge science, conservation, and fisheries management. Two key areas of focus for us at this summit are:

1. Testing On-Demand Buoy Fishing Gear: A Solution in Progress

   With increasing concerns over the coexistence of fisheries and marine mammals—especially the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale—several initiatives are exploring the use of on-demand fishing gear. These systems allow fishers to retrieve their traps or nets only when needed, eliminating the risk of entanglement from static vertical lines in the water column.

   However, turning this concept into a practical, efficient, and economically viable solution requires extensive field testing. Working closely with fishers, we help identify challenges, refine designs, and ensure these technologies can be integrated into real-world fishing operations.

   
   

2. Ghost Gear Recovery: Tackling a Global Issue

   Every year, thousands of lost or abandoned fishing nets, traps, and other gear—commonly referred to as ghost gear—continue to trap marine life, damage habitats, and contribute to ocean pollution.

   We are actively collaborating with fishers, scientists, and policymakers to locate, recover, and analyze lost fishing gear, with two primary objectives:

   • Reducing its impact on marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

   • Understanding the causes of gear loss to develop prevention strategies and innovative solutions.

A Bridge Between Fisheries and Conservation

A crucial part of our work is facilitating dialogue between fishers, researchers, and policymakers to ensure that new technologies and conservation measures are both effective and practical. Sustainable fisheries are not just about regulations—they require real-world solutions that work for the people who rely on the ocean.

The International Fishing Gear Innovation Summit is an important opportunity to share insights, exchange knowledge, and strengthen collaborations that will help shape the future of sustainable fisheries.

Our CEO Lyne G. Morissette and Project Manager Tommy Goupil are on-site to engage with stakeholders and discuss the latest innovations in fishing gear technology. We look forward to advancing these conversations and working towards practical, science-driven solutions for the fishing industry.