Alaska Net Hack Challenge aims to find new uses for tons of old nets stockpiled across the state

Plastics in recycled fishing nets are being used to make an amazing array of products around the globe and Alaska plans to get in on the action.

An Alaska Net Hack Challenge is being planned for September 8 and 9 that aims to identify potential opportunities for using the tons of old nets piled up in landfills and storage lots across the state and develop new items from the materials. Fishing nets can weigh from 5,000 to 20,000 pounds each.

“The purpose of the program is to change how people look at fishing nets and ropes. Instead of looking at them as waste materials, hopefully, they will sta...