Launched in December 2023, WWF-Hong Kong's "Environment and Conservation Fund Turning the Tides – Underwater Surveys, Clean-ups and Beyond" project tackles marine plastics through citizen science programmes and cross-sector stakeholder engagement. In addition to the Ocean Health Survey, the project's "Oceannovator" pillar unites diverse stakeholders to develop innovative recycling solutions for marine litter.

After identifying challenges like storage limitations and high costs, WWF-Hong Kong partnered with four specialized teams to develop innovative solutions for underwater litter tracking and ghost net recycling. Here's what they created:

‍

Solution 1 – Using RFID technology to track ghost nets

Partners: Enviridis Technology Company Limited; Prof. Leung Yuk Frank LAM at HKUST and his research team

This project is exploring the feasibility of using Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)  in Hong Kong's marine environment, using advanced technology to reduce entanglement risks for marine life and  microplastic pollution caused by abandoned fishing nets.

Initial tests demonstrated that RFID tags installed into the nodes of fishing nets are detectable, but current range is limited to one meter. The research team is now actively working to improve the detection range.

Special RFID sensor created for ghost net detection

‍

Solution 2 – Shallow water screening of marine debris using robotic fish

Partners: SNAPP Ocean Data Solutions Limited; Engineering students from HKU

The team utilized the agile SNAPP robotic fish to search for suspended marine debris, including ghost fishing nets.  In an energy-efficient manner, SNAPP facilitates quick and effective collection and visual surveys with its equipped sensors and cameras. Already it has successfully recorded various types of marine debris along the Tolo coastline, from floating plastic bags to abandoned fishing nets.

SNAPP, the robotic fish, searching for marine debrisin Tolo Harbour

‍

A suspended plastic bag spotted by SNAPP

‍

Solution 3 – Marine litter and coral mapping using photogrammetry technology and AI-based object identification

Partners: OTG OnTheGo Limited (underwater drone operator); HKUST Prof. Sai-Kit YEUNG  and his team (photogrammetry)

Photogrammetry converts 2D footage into detailed 3D underwater maps. Using drone footage, this technology enhances AI accuracy for object identification while documenting underwater ecosystems. The team mapped selected sites along the Tolo coastline in 3D, identifying corals and ghost nets, as well as their size, form and condition, revealing marine litter’s impact on the respective coral communities.

Reconstructed 3D structure of a sample ghost net sighted underwater

‍

Solution 4 – Lining up collectors and recyclers to upcycle ghost nets

Partners: V Cycle (social enterprise); Ghost Net Volunteering Action Team (a local group experienced in ghost fishing gear retrieval)

Ghost fishing nets in Hong Kong's waters are primarily nylon – durable but difficult to recycle. Limited resources and land constraints keep recycling initiatives small-scale. V Cycle plans to invest in storage facilities and processing machineries and collaborates with the Ghost Net Volunteer Action Team to transform recovered nets into useful raw materials or even practical diving equipment.

The Ghost Net Volunteer Action Team working in Tolo Harbour

‍

Retrieved ghost nets being processed in V Cycle’s factory for further transformation

‍

These innovative solutions showcase the power of combining technology and conservation. Our shared hope is that through continued innovation and collaboration, we can turn the tide on marine debris and preserve our oceans for future generations.