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Launch a robot to capture plastic from the ocean

WWF and Sky Ocean Rescue have launched an autonomous marine robot in north Devon to help clear Ilfracombe harbour of waste. The WasteShark® will be roaming through distances of up to 5km of water, capturing plastics, microplastics, oils and other pollutants.

Every year, over 8 million tons of plastic makes its way into our oceans.

Benefits

  • The WasteShark is pre-programmed with GPS points to ensure that it covers hotspots where waste gathers
  • It also collects data on water quality
  • It emits no carbon, produces no noise or light pollution, and poses no threat to wildlife.

Challenges

  • Limited storage space for waste collected
  • Only captures waste floating on the surface of the ocean

Making A Difference

If used five days a week the WasteShark can collect in excess of 15 tonnes of waste a year, with the plastic recycled to make products.

There are hundreds of other ways to solve plastic pollution

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