Innovative Gear Library
Contact usThe Foundation’s Gear Library supports the development and testing of innovative fishing gear designed to reduce the risk of whale entanglements in California.
The gear library offers experimental gear designed to reduce the risk of entanglements by replacing traditional vertical lines with innovative on-demand or “pop-up” fishing systems. These systems use acoustic and timed-release technologies to retrieve fishing gear from the seafloor only when needed, reducing the time vertical lines are present in the water column. These systems are adaptable to various fishing methods, including traps, pots, and gillnets.
We are prioritizing loans to commercial fishermen operating in California’s fixed gear fisheries, particularly Dungeness crab fishermen affected by seasonal closures. Fishermen can borrow this innovative gear to gain hands-on experience through training and testing in real-world fishing conditions. In return, fishermen provide valuable data and feedback on how the gear performs on their vessels and suggestions to improve the technologies to better meet their needs.
Interested in Borrowing Gear?
To borrow gear, participants must meet certain requirements. If you’re interested, we encourage you to submit a request. We look forward to partnering with you to help develop effective gear solutions that benefit both fishermen and marine life.
What’s in the Gear Library?
The following types of systems are available for testing.
Stowed Rope/Pop-Up Buoy
The line is coiled or packed in a cage or bag, which is tethered to a trap or string of traps. When a signal is received, the buoy or cage lid releases, allowing the line and buoy to rise to the surface for retrieval.
Examples of pop-up buoy systems (from left to right, Desert Star Systems ARC-1XD, EdgeTech 5112, Sub Sea Sonics AR4RT/Guardian Sled). Components generally include a line and buoy retention system, an acoustic release, a control deck box with transducer, and a gear marking application.
Timed-release buoys are also available, which activate after a preset period.
Buoyant Spool
The line is wound around a buoyant spool tethered to a trap or string of traps. When a release signal is received, the spool is released and begins to ascend, unwinding the line as it rises to the surface for retrieval. Timed-release buoyant spools are also available, which activate after a preset period.
Inflatable Lift Bag
A deflated lift bag is attached to a cage connected to a trap or string of traps. When a signal is received, the lift bag inflates, lifting the cage to the surface for retrieval. May be available soon. Inquire about demo opportunities.
An example of a lift bag system. Components generally include an acoustic release, compressed air cylinder, and inflatable lift bag, all housed within a cage, along with a control deck box with transducer and a gear marking application.