Young Innovators Join Forces with Re:Fish to Combat Ghost Fishing with Smart Technology

Seeking real-world marine challenges, the team reached out to the University of Tartu’s Estonian Marine Institute and found inspiration in the Re:Fish project, which tackles plastic pollution and ghost fishing in the Central Baltic Sea. One of the major challenges Re:Fish addresses is the loss of gillnets, which continue to trap fish and marine life long after they have been abandoned.

A Smart Buoy to Prevent Lost Nets
To support sustainable fisheries, the Nuti-Võlur team developed an innovative smart buoy prototype that helps fishers monitor real-time weather conditions around their nets. In case of worsening weather, fishers can retrieve their nets in time, preventing them from being lost at sea—reducing plastic pollution and protecting marine life. 🌊♻️

Success in the First Lego League Competition
The young innovators presented their prototype at the South Estonian preliminary round on February 8, 2025, in Tartu. Their efforts were rewarded with a special award from the University of Tartu Research School, and they secured a place in the Estonian FLL finals on March 28-29, 2025.

Looking ahead, the team plans to enhance their prototype before the finals and is actively seeking collaboration with an electronics company with relevant expertise. Thanks to the Re:Fish project, they have also connected with a fisherman for practical insights into how the buoy can best support the fishing community.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed for the Nuti-Võlur team as they continue their journey towards a smarter and more environmentally friendly future for fisheries! 💙🎣♻️

Text by Anneliis Kõivupuu