Description
Limited Edition Rescue to Recycle Sunglasses, 100% crafted from ghost gear that nearly claimed the life of a juvenile humpback whale in Algoa Bay, South Africa, September 21st, 2023.
These sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory. They’re a testament to the fight against ocean pollution, designed in a classic Wayfarer style that suits a wide range of face shapes. Every pair is crafted from the very ghost gear that nearly claimed the life of the juvenile humpback in Algoa Bay, South Africa. (You can read the full story in the ‘Planet’ section below)
Each pair features our Grey Polarised Mineral Glass+ Lenses, renowned for their exceptional optical clarity and durability. These lenses, crafted by Barberini—world leaders in optical quality—offer full UVA/UVB/UVC protection, making them perfect for any adventure, whether you’re in the urban jungle or out exploring rugged coastlines.
Waterhaul founders Harry Dennis, a marine biologist and Gavin Parker an environmental campaigner are living out the proverb ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’. The most common plastic found in our oceans isn’t the infamous straw but discarded fishing gear. Around the world, fishing communities often lack the means to responsibly dispose of worn-out nets. Harry and Gavin’s lightbulb moment came when they discovered that these nets could provide the perfect raw material for premium sunglass frames.
Fit
Classic wayfarer style suits a broad range of face shapes.
Spec
Frames:
The inside of each frame is etched with the coordinates of Algoa Bay, a subtle yet powerful reminder of the whale’s rescue and the origins of the material.
Italian engineered and hand-finished frames
Ultra-durable five barrel hinges
Waterhaul Lifetime Warranty
Lenses:
Polarised Mineral Glass+ Lenses
Full UV 400 protection
Scratch resistance. Waterhaul’s chemically hardened glass is substantially more scratch resistant than many lenses, and exceeds all international impact resistance tests.
Saltwater-resistant lenses and components
Limited Edition: Each pair comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and a unique booklet that details the entire rescue operation, the transformation process of the ghost gear, and the impact that purchasing these sunglasses will have on future conservation efforts.
Included in the package is artwork by artist Rachel Brooks, depicting the whale which was dramatically rescued. This hand-drawn imagery is a beautiful reminder of the life saved and the ongoing battle against ocean pollution.
33% of each pair sold is donated to the World Cetacean Alliance
Material
Frames: Traceable Marine Plastic™
Lenses: Mineral glass or Polarized mineral glass
Care
Every pair of Waterhaul Sunglasses come with a free sustainable cork tri-folding protective case included.
The plastic from 100% recycled fishing nets gives these frames flexibility, allowing you to make minor adjustments at home to get the perfect fit.
The frames are covered by Waterhauls ‘Recycle and Replace’ lifetime guarantee – damaged frames can go back into the plastic recycling loop to create new pairs.
Delivery
Free UK delivery 3-5 working days from dispatch
Look behind
these
sunglasses
Strong points
Traceable Marine Plastic
Made in Europe
CO2 Savings
People
All Waterhaul sunglasses are made in Northern Italy by a family run business employing experienced craftspeople. The relative proximity to Waterhaul’s UK base has allowed for a close relationship to be built, which has been important to Waterhaul.
Waterhaul expects all suppliers to send them their Code of Conduct before they begin working together. This year Warehaul are working towards B-Corp certification and they expect this to provide them further opportunities to develop their supply chain policies.
Planet
On the 21st September 2023, a Raggy Charters marine tour vessel in Algoa Bay, South Africa, spotted a distressing scene of a humpback whale, exhausted and entangled in fishing gear.
This juvenile Humpback Whale entangled in a heavy mass of plastic ropes and floating buoys around its Fluke (the base of the caudal fin, where the strong swimming muscles of the tail are found). Though the whale was in good health, the ghost gear severely hindered its ability to dive and feed, slowly exhausting them, which would ultimately lead to death, so it was vital the whale was freed quickly.
The Raggy Charters crew notified the National Sea Rescue Institute, who worked tirelessly to cut through the thick ropes. The operation was dangerous and complex, involving multiple rescue boats and a coordinated team. But thanks to their skill and perseverance, the whale was finally freed and swam away, shattered but alive.
The rescued whale has since been identified alive and healthy, thanks to the unique patterns on their tail.
The ghost gear that ensnared the whale was recovered and through collaborative links with the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA), made its way to the team at Waterhaul, where they saw an opportunity to create something truly unique from this near-tragedy. Every pair of sunglasses crafted from this ghost gear is a testament to Waterhaul’s commitment to sustainability and marine conservation. £37.50 of every sale will be donated to support the work of the WCA and its local partners who played a vital role in the ghost gear's recovery.
Suppliers
Traceable Marine Plastic™: 100% crafted from ghost gear that nearly claimed the life of a juvenile humpback whale in Algoa Bay, South Africa, September 21st, 2023
Frames and sunglass construction: Northern Italy
Mineral glass: Barberini, Italy
Areas for development
This year Warehaul are working towards B-Corp certification and they expect this to provide them further opportunities to develop their supply chain policies.