The UK eyewear brand, Waterhaul has partnered with the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) to launch an exclusive collection made from the ghost fishing gear recovered during the rescue of an entangled baby humpback whale.
The collection is the newest chapter in Waterhaul’s uniquely named Rescue to Recycle campaign, a project that highlights the power of collaboration and community action, speaking to the heart of environmentalists and conscientious shoppers everywhere.
The story began when a junior humpback whale was spotted to be entangled in abandoned (ghost) fishing gear (typically nets and plastic buoys) by a local whale watching company called Raggy Charters off the South African coastline. If left entangled, the whale would have been facing certain death due to drowning, laceration and infection, or even starvation.
However, it was thanks to the coordinated efforts of Raggy Charters who called the sighting in to the World Cetacean Alliance that – following a complex cutting and freeing exercise – the whale was eventually rescued and released back into the open sea.
Meanwhile, Waterhaul – a Newquay-based team of industry activists has been building a reputation here on British shores for its efforts in tracking, recovering, and then recycling ghost fishing gear, transforming the recycling plastics into stylish frames for its Waterhaul eyewear brand. Recognising its efforts, the WCA contacted the team with a supply of fishing gear that – following the rescue mission – now has the chance to turn this near-disaster into a ‘symbol of conservation hope.’
Proceeds from this special eyewear collection will go towards fuelling further marine conservation efforts.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the World Cetacean Alliance on this innovative project,” said Gavin Parker at Waterhaul. “This campaign not only highlights the dangers of ghost gear but also showcases the incredible things we can achieve by working together. Each pair of sunglasses represents a piece of our mission to protect our oceans and give waste material a new life.”
With the aim of turning the tide on ocean pollution, Waterhaul’s Rescue to Recycle campaign provides consumers the opportunity to become a part of its narrative around conservation and the protection of the environment. The newest collection will officially launch on September 21st, the one-year anniversary of the humpback whale rescue.
Giving the tale a happy ending, a number of sightings of the whale have since been recorded by the WCA partner, Happywhale with reports the whale continues to swim freely and free of entanglement so far.
“We are proud to be collaborating with Waterhaul on this very special project,” said Sophie Lewis, ceo of the World Cetacean Alliance. “Entanglement is one of the biggest threats facing whales today, but we can make a difference by working together to ensure the ocean becomes a cleaner, safer place for them.
“As an international NGO, we know that it’s the work of our partners on the ground that is key to protecting these incredible animals. By partnering with Waterhaul, we can turn this dangerous waste into donations that support community conservation globally. We hope that everyone who purchases a pair of these sunglasses, or receives them as a gift, will connect with the story of where they came from and follow our rescued whale on their journey around the world.”
