A Picton inventor has built a simple device that could change the way Kiwis release fish.
AquaGuardian, built by Chy Doherty of Future Fishing Limited, mounts on the side of a boat. A caught fish is unhooked in a measuring cradle without being handled, then drops into a recovery chamber below the boat, hidden from shags, seabirds and predators. There it rests and recovers before swimming off strong.
“Too many fish go back over the side and never make it,” says Tēpane Philips, who spent years at sea working the boats and has partnered with Chy to get AquaGuardian out there. “Stress, handling, the birds waiting for them. AquaGuardian takes all of that away. I’ve been out on the boat and watched it work. It’s amazing.”
The unit is made from recycled plastic and welded aluminium, and suits both recreational and commercial boats. It is designed to cut the number of fish that die after release, helping protect fish stocks for future generations.
“It’s about bringing our fish back,” says Tēpane. “It’s kaitiakitanga, looking after our fish for our mokopuna. I truly believe it should be on every boat.”
Chy has protected the design, and the pair have been testing it on the water. They are now looking for sponsors, partners and funding to get AquaGuardian into production and onto boats across New Zealand and beyond.
Email: futurefishingltd@gmail.com
