In just over a decade, Bureo, a small Ventura, California-based company, has partnered with local fishermen and coastal communities to remove nearly 15 million pounds of abandoned fishing nets from the ocean. These nets are then upcycled into innovative products, with the team’s patented Net Plus pellets leading the charge in reducing ocean pollution and promoting sustainability.
Founded in 2013, Bureo’s mission is to address the growing issue of discarded fishing gear, a major environmental threat to marine life. With the help of fishermen and coastal communities in Chile, the company collects, sorts, and recycles old nets into Net Plus pellets that are used in a wide range of products, from surfboards to outdoor gear.
In a recent interview, I had the opportunity to speak with co-founder David Stover, who shared the company’s inspiring journey. At the heart of their efforts lies a shared sense of responsibility: “We owe it to the ocean to do something positive because surfing has brought so much into our lives,” said Stover.
Stover’s passion for ocean conservation began during his travels in his mid-20s. Having grown up on a small island off Rhode Island and later living in Australia, Stover discovered a deeper meaning to life through his love of surfing. But with this newfound purpose came a sobering reality—ocean pollution was rampant, especially in places like Indonesia.
“We couldn’t escape the plastic,” Stover recalled. “Indonesia, in particular, was a real eye-opener to the extent of the problem. This realization sparked a desire to find a solution, and we knew we needed to focus on one specific area to make a real impact.”
Stover and his co-founders—Ben Kneppers and Kevin Ahearn—soon identified one of the most dangerous contributors to ocean pollution: discarded fishing nets. While plastic bottles, bags, and other single-use plastics contribute significantly to the problem, abandoned fishing gear, or “ghost nets,” pose an even greater threat. These nets can trap marine life, from small fish to the largest whales, as they lie just below the surface of the water, often for hundreds of years.
The problem began decades ago when nylon fishing nets replaced traditional nets made of natural fibers. While nylon was lighter, more durable, and easier to repair, it takes centuries to decompose. Unfortunately, as more nets were abandoned at sea, no comprehensive plan was established to manage their disposal. Fishermen were left with no choice but to burn the nets, releasing toxic smoke, or dispose of them in the very environments that supported their livelihoods.
The turning point for Bureo came in 2013 when the team traveled to Chile. They pitched the government on a plan to tackle the issue of discarded fishing gear, and that’s when the company truly took shape. The breakthrough came when they learned that the nylon used in fishing nets is highly recyclable. The material could be transformed into traceable pellets for a second life—products that posed no further risk to the ocean.
Bureo’s journey was also shaped by invaluable advice from environmental advocates. “We first reached out to Tim Silverwood, founder of Take 3 in Australia, and Curtis Lowe from Project Clean Uluwatu, for advice,” Stover said. “We also connected with Kyle Parsons of Indosole, who helped us think more about industrial ecology and how to solve environmental problems in a holistic way.”
Since creating their first product—an upcycled fishnet cruiser skateboard—Bureo has expanded its efforts to collaborate with major brands across the surf and outdoor industries. Partners such as Patagonia, Outerknown, Yeti, Burton, Quiksilver, and Costa Sunglasses have embraced Bureo’s Net Plus material as an alternative to virgin plastics, providing eco-friendly options for consumers.
One of Bureo’s most significant milestones was receiving support from musician Jack Johnson. “We were so lucky to meet Jack when he was on tour,” Stover recalled. “He invited us to a show on the North Shore, and we got a ton of skateboards into the hands of kids and families. That was a real breakthrough for us.”
The success of Bureo’s mission is only possible because of the support from local fishermen, coastal communities, and surf industry partners. The company’s work continues to inspire others to take action for cleaner oceans, proving that collaboration between surfers, fishermen, and brands can make a significant impact.
Bureo’s efforts have earned a well-deserved endorsement from the surf community. It’s clear that their approach to tackling ocean pollution is as innovative as it is effective.