There is no simple rule for accessing other people’s money and time to help develop your mitigation idea.

However, there are four main funding sources that you could use: private funding; government funds (including environmental or business development); industry funds; or environmental organisations, trusts or charities. You may be able to resource your project through one or a combination of these three areas.

However, in any instance where you have persuaded someone to resource your project, you should supply them with regular updates. They will want to know what progress you are making. And if you are having problems or striking hurdles, tell them.

Also, think carefully about the business of intellectual property protection (e.g. patents) – and whether you want to go down this path or not.

One form of private funding is to cover all the research and develpment costs yourself – either through savings or by borrowing.

Alternatively, you could invite others to invest in your development, with the expectation they would share in the profits if it developed into a successful business. These others could be financial partners only, or they could be people who bring technical expertise to the project (e.g. engineers, fishing gear manufacturers).

You will need to develop a solid case to convince your funders and partners that the mitigation is likely to work; that it has business potential; and that you have the skills and track record and ability to get it there. Remember, investors don’t risk their money or time for potentially low returns.

Having armed yourself with information that clearly demonstrates your project is worth the investment risk, you can then approach potential business partners, including family, friends, or venture-capitalist funds.

Alternatively, you could go into partnership with a manufacturing or marketing company.

Approach government agencies to see if they have any resources that might help you develop your idea. This could be funding, or it could be access to technical expertise, or access to a vessel to trial your ideas on.

Start by talking with someone in the relevant fisheries or wildlife protection agency. And look at whether they or any fisheries research institutions could provide you with access to technical experts or to a research or training vessel.

Also look into whether your idea might qualify for some sort of government, environmental or business development grant.

There are a number of charitable trusts around the world that make funds available for conservation work. Some of the grants from these can be quite considerable – in the hundreds of thousands of $US.

To access these funds you will need to convince them that your idea is sound and applies to a conservation area they are interested in (note that some funds are specific to a country or geographic region). You also need to convince them that you have the ability to deliver the work required to prove it. So you need to either have a proven track record in this area yourself, or team up with people who have.

Alternatively, enter your development in the international WWF Smart Gear competition. And if the judges like your idea, you could pocket the $US30,000 first prize.