Rescue to Recycle: Deadly ghost gear transformed into iconic sunglasses a year after humpback whale is freed

640,000 tonnes of lost or discarded fishing gear ends up in our oceans every year. The ocean’s inhabitants most keenly feel the haunting reality of this ‘ghost gear’ that pollutes our oceans and ensnares wildlife.

In September 2023, an entrapped humpback whale was spotted in Algoa Bay in South Africa. Two large orange buoys, a small yellow buoy, and a huge amount of 20mm nylon cable were attached to the whale’s Fluke (the base of the caudal fin, where the strong swimming muscles of the tail are found). If left in place, this gear would have slowed the whale’s movements, prevented it from feeding properly, and ultimately led to a slow, painful death.

Thankfully, World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) Partner Raggy Charters spotted the distressed humpback whale and could guide the National Sea Rescue Institute to achieve a successful rescue. Partnering with Waterhaul, this disastrous ghost gear now has a new lease of life in their 2024 Rescue to Recycle collection.

Waterhaul has created a line of high-performance sunglasses made from the recycled ghost gear recovered from the disastrous scene in Algoa Bay. On September 21st 2024, exactly one year after the rescue, you can pledge your support in the fight against ocean pollution with a pair of stylish sunglasses crafted from the very ghost gear that nearly claimed the life of the juvenile humpback in South Africa.

Each pair of sunglasses made from this ghost gear is a testament to a commitment to sustainability and marine conservation. Not only are these sunglasses sustainable, but they also connect the wearer directly to a powerful story of rescue and renewal.

The Rescue to Recycle project embodies the power of collaboration and community action. If left entangled, the ghost gear would likely have caused a painful death for the whale. Instead, this near-disaster has been transformed into a symbol of conservation hope.

Proceeds from this eyewear collection will fuel further marine conservation efforts, turning a moment of crisis into lasting positive change. The Rescue to Recycle project aims to prove that when we unite for a cause, we can make a real difference in the fight to protect our oceans. 

"We're thrilled to collaborate with the World Cetacean Alliance on this innovative project," said Gavin Parker co-founder and chief operating officer 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."

“We’re 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!”