We have identified multiple solutions to mitigate our systems from having FAD (Fish Aggregating Device) effects.

The first is the result of passive mitigation; our newest design relies on the difference in speed between the plastic and the systems. The barrier will be moving faster than the upper layer of the ocean current. The effort required for the fish to maintain the same speed as the system will reduce the likelihood and attraction for fish creating communities near the floaters or screens.

The collection timing, currently scheduled for every 6-8 weeks, will also play a part in mitigation efforts. Extracting the plastic from the water will remove some of the food and shelter opportunities that would attract our technology as a FAD.

As this is a new technology, we will continually monitor our systems while they are in the water. We will study the relationship between the marine life and plastic accumulation in order to fine-tune the plastic collection schedule. This not only improves the collection efficiency but decreases the risk of harm to the natural environment.

Furthermore, to continue to increase our understanding of the topic, we have established a partnership with the University of Miami, where we are funding a research student to delve even further into this topic.