2012 James Dyson Award winner announced

The SafetyNet system tackles the problem of overfishing by providing escape exits for juvenile and non-target fish caught up in commercial fishing nets

For the past month, the judges have been casting a discerning eye over the 15 finalists of the 2012 James Dyson Award and they’ve now made what no doubt was a difficult decision. Taking out the major prize is Dan Watson, who will receive £10,000 (US$16,000) for his SafetyNet system that tackles the problem of overfishing by providing escape exits for juvenile and non-target fish caught up in commercial fishing nets.

Watson is a graduate of the Royal College of Art in the U.K, which will also receive £10,000 (US$16,000) as a result of him taking the top honors. Since graduating, Watson has started a company to commercialize his idea, calledSafetyNet Technologies. He plans to use the cash prize to develop a range of prototypes and finalize government testing of his design.

In awarding the prize, James Dyson said, “This tangible technology approaches a serious environmental problem, we should celebrate it. SafetyNet shows how young graduates like Dan can tackle global issues ignored by established industries in new and inventive ways.”