As a passionate surfer and recreational fisherman, John Gowing has always felt an affinity for the ocean. Meanwhile, John’s role as the Brand Custodian for Gowings and Surf Hardware (FCS fins and Softech boards) means he has the capacity to channel his passion into initiatives that promote ocean awareness and positive change.
Inspired by his interaction with whales, where he lives on the NSW North Coast, John created the Whale Trust. The Trust is funded by 1% of all sales made through Surf Hardware.
The Whale Trust has its own line of merchandise (proceeds are channelled back into the Trust) and also shares a close relationship with the Sea Shepherd. According to the Trust’s coordinator, Zacharey Jane, one of the Trust’s first initiatives was to purchase what’s known as a Rib boat for the Sea Shepherd fleet. “The Rib boat is a chase boat and sits on board the Ocean Warrior, one of the big boats,” explains Jane. The Rib boats are typically used by the Sea Shepherd to conduct marine biological and ecological research and non-violent direct action against whaling, shark finning, and fishing vessels engaged in illegal bycatch practices.
One of the other exciting initiatives the Whale Trust has undertaken involves a kind of fantastic , plastic recycler known as a Shruder. The Shruder was invented by Louise Hardman, who is an expert in grassroots community engagement, the chemistry of plastics and the circular economy. In 2021 Louise was named Australian of the Year for her work.
In a nutshell, the Shruder is designed to take fragments of plastic waste and transform them into commercially viable materials and products. Doing something about the proliferation of plastic waste in the ocean was one of the driving forces behind the purchase of the Shruder by the Whale Trust. However, according to Jane, the Trust’s big picture vision is to stimulate the formation of cyclical economies, which benefit communities along the way. Therefore the Trust donated the Shruder to the Miimi Aboriginal Corporation who are based at Bowraville in Northern NSW.
The Shruder recycling unit now sits inside a shipping container in Bowraville where the Miimi community rangers are currently being trained by Louise to use it effectively.
While the operation isn’t yet fully up to speed, the objectives are clear. “We’re aiming at getting the right kind of plastic waste to the Miimi Aboriginal Corporation for them to recycle in their Shruder centre,” explains Jane
“They make the plastic, raw material and then they sell it back to FCS who then turn it into fins for surfboards… we’re also looking at wax combs and dog leashes.”
Beyond the Whale Trust’s circular economy agenda, Jane also hopes to grow a platform that provides information and education about whales and ocean protection. “Another thing we are looking at, is funding research projects,” explains Jane. “Specifically, we’ve just started talking about ocean toxicology and pollutants, post the flood events up here in northern New South Wales. That’s been a hot topic.”
Cultivating a culture of ocean and awareness and preservation means not just governments but business groups have to take bold initiatives. At present, the Whale Trust is striving for a better future.
To find out more about the Shruder and Whale Trust’s other ventures check out: coastbeat.com.au/loving-the-plastic-life/
gowings.com/gowings-whale-trust/