If you’ve been walking along the river at Leeds Dock this past two weeks, you might have come across a litter-collecting swimming robot that has been working hard, gobbling up water-borne plastics to prevent ocean pollution. Curious to know more? Well, we had an amazing opportunity to speak with Peter Forrest, the Project Manager from Canal Connections, to discover the fascinating story behind what is known as the brilliant WasteShark – a groundbreaking initiative that’s turning the tide on water pollution.
Keep reading to find out how one person’s path led to playing a pivotal role in preserving our waterways.
1. tell us a bit about yourself and the company you work for, canal connections?
I’m a Project Manager at Canal Connections and I’ve been with the company since 2021. Canal Connections is a social enterprise company working along the waterways of Leeds and Bradford, connecting individuals, communities and organisations to the canal environment. My journey here started back in school when one of my teachers referred me to the Community Boat Project in Shipley. By the fourth week, I was absolutely hooked. I loved the ethos of the project, the focus on sustainability, and the freedom it gave me. It was a pivotal moment that steered my career toward environmental projects.
2. When was the moment that you knew that the waterways were in need of massive change?
For the past decade, we’ve been running a men’s mental health group called ‘Float Your Boat’ every Tuesday. Participants often highlighted the growing amount of rubbish in the river and the need for more resources to clean it up. We started collaborating with local volunteer groups like ‘Friends of the Aire’ and ‘Seacroft Wombles’, who were helping to pick up litter across Leeds. The sheer amount of waste in the river really brought home the urgency of the situation.
By the way, if anyone is keen to get involved, these groups do amazing work and always welcome new volunteers! Discover some of the amazing work that they get up to, here and here.
3. What are the key technologies behind WasteShark, and how do they work together to clean and monitor water bodies?
The WasteShark is an amazing piece of tech for many reasons. For example, did you know that it can hold up to 160 liters of floating rubbish and is equipped with AI to prevent collisions and protect wildlife? As it collects rubbish, it also gathers data on water depth and temperature, mapping its route and sending updates every 60 seconds. This incredible machine is the first of its kind in the North, thanks to our partners at RAM Marine from the Netherlands.
4. How significant is the problem of water pollution, and what role do you see WasteSharks playing in combating this issue on a global scale?
Water pollution is a massive issue, and our ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of rubbish that reaches the sea. Even if we only make a small dent, it’s a start. Leeds is leading the way with the WasteShark, and we hope to inspire other towns and cities to take similar steps.
5. Is it just Leeds where you have currently launched the WasteSharks or have you any elsewhere that we should look out for?
Right now, the Waste Shark is only in Leeds, but we’re hoping to expand its reach in the future.
6. How does WasteShark adapt to different water environments, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans?
The WasteShark operates at a steady 2-3 mph, which is perfect for our river’s flow. We ensure biosecurity by not transferring it between different watercourses, preventing ecological disruption.
7. What are your future plans for WasteSharks? Are there any exciting developments that we can look forward to?
We’re looking to form more partnerships and add new modules to the WasteShark, like microplastic measurement tools and other research aids to better understand water quality issues. Stay tuned!
8. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey with WasteSharks so far?
Seeing the excitement and engagement of the general public over the WasteSharks in Leeds Dock has been incredibly rewarding. It bring us a lot of joy knowing we are making a huge difference to our waterways.
9. What’s THE MOST INTERESTING FEATURE OF THE WASTESHARK?
The WasteShark’s AI technology is pretty cool – it avoids obstacles, collects water data, and has a camera for live viewing. Plus, it’s equipped with LiDAR technology that helps to detect obstacles from 30 meters away and is designed to prevent any harm to wildlife.
10. Tell me more about what initiatives you take to ensure wildlife is not affected when running the WasteSharks?
We conduct visual checks for nests or hidden birds in our operating area that is used to monitor wildlife. We work hard to ensure the safety of all creatures in the area is protected.
11. When will visitors be able to see the WasteShark in action at Leeds Dock?
The WasteShark operates every Thursday from 12-4pm. You can spot our operating team controlling it near the river, along the walkway behind the Royal Armouries. If you’re curious and want more info, don’t hesitate to come and say hello to our friendly team – they’re always up for a chat!
It’s inspiring to see how passion and innovation can come together to tackle environmental challenges. From the humble beginnings of a community boat project to the cutting-edge technology of WasteSharks, the journey of Canal Connections is a testament to the impact that dedicated individuals and innovative solutions can have on our world.
If you get an opportunity, be sure to give the WasteShark’s official page a follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with the amazing work that they are doing.