The trial, the largest of its kind to date, focused on testing “pop-up” fishing gear designed to eliminate the need for traditional buoy lines, which are known to cause entanglements for marine mammals such as whales. Instead of using long lines of rope that extend from the ocean floor to a surface buoy, ropeless systems employ underwater cages that release to the surface when remotely activated by the fishermen. This eliminates the vertical ropes, which have been identified as a major hazard for migrating whales that can become trapped.
Whale entanglements in traditional crab fishing gear have become an increasingly urgent concern over the past decade, leading to frequent delays and shutdowns of the crabbing season in California. In recent years, crabbers have faced shortened seasons, which often fall during critical whale migration periods. As a result, the fishing industry has been under pressure to find solutions that balance both marine conservation and the economic sustainability of crab fishing. Proponents of ropeless gear argue that the technology offers a new way to allow crabbing to continue while protecting endangered species like humpback and blue whales.
However, the trial has been met with anger and frustration from many in the crabbing community. The limited number of participants allowed to fish during the restricted breeding season has led to concerns about fairness. Those not included in the trial feel they were unfairly denied the opportunity to fish when crabs would typically be more abundant and easier to catch. Many fishermen are concerned that adopting ropeless technology on a wider scale could lead to additional regulatory burdens and further shrink an already tight window for crabbing.
For many crabbers, the Dungeness crab fishery has long been troubled by challenges; dwindling stocks, the impact of climate change, and regulatory shifts designed to protect marine ecosystems just to name a few. The costs associated with transitioning to ropeless gear are another source of concern. The new technology is expensive, and small-scale fishers worry that they may not be able to afford the necessary equipment, leaving them at a competitive disadvantage compared to larger operations. Many are skeptical of how well the ropeless systems will work in real-world conditions, with legitimate concerns about lost gear, malfunctions, and conflicts that may arise over territory since the gear can’t be seen from the surface of the water.
Despite these challenges, supporters of the ropeless gear trial see it as a necessary step toward the future of sustainable fishing. They argue that adapting to new technologies is essential not only for reducing the environmental impacts of crabbing but also for ensuring that the industry can survive and thrive with the increasing environmental regulation. Advocates suggest that with proper support and investment, ropeless gear could eventually become more affordable and reliable for all fishers.
How does ropeless crab gear work?
- Crab Traps Set on the Ocean Floor
As in traditional crabbing, fishermen place crab traps (also called pots or cages) on the ocean floor. Unlike conventional gear that uses a rope and surface buoy to mark the location and retrieve the traps, the ropeless system keeps the gear submerged and invisible from the surface.
- Submerged Buoy or Retrieval Mechanism
The trap is attached to a retrieval mechanism that includes a buoy or inflatable bag, which remains secured to the trap at the bottom of the ocean. This buoy or bag is not visible on the surface, as it stays in a collapsed or compact state while the gear is underwater.
- Remote Activation
When fisherman are ready to retrieve the traps, they use a remote-controlled device (usually via a GPS or acoustic signal) to trigger the buoy or inflatable bag to release from the trap. The signal is sent from a boat, and it activates a mechanism that either inflates the buoy or releases a line to the surface. In some systems, a compressed air canister inflates a lift bag, while in others, a coiled rope or spool gets deployed.
- The Trap Surfaces for Retrieval
Once triggered, the buoy rises to the surface, bringing with it a retrieval line attached to the crab trap. Fishermen can then locate the buoy, grab the line, and haul the crab trap up to their boat in the same way they would with traditional gear.
- Tracking and Locating Gear
Since there are no surface buoys marking the traps when they are submerged, GPS tracking or acoustic devices are used to log the precise location of each trap. These tools help fishermen find and retrieve their traps when it’s time to collect their catch.
- Reset and Reuse
After retrieving the traps, fishermen can reset the gear by repacking the buoy or lift bag and placing the trap back on the ocean floor. The system is designed to be reusable, though it does require maintenance, particularly in terms of ensuring that the retrieval mechanism is functional for the next haul.
Advantages
- Reduces whale entanglements: By eliminating vertical ropes, there is little risk of whales, turtles, or other marine animals becoming entangled in fishing gear.
- Enables fishing in restricted areas: The technology allows fishermen to operate in regions or during times that would otherwise be off-limits due to concerns about marine mammal safety.
Challenges
- Cost: Ropeless gear is currently more expensive than traditional fishing gear, making it difficult for smaller, independent fishers to afford.
- Retrieval reliability: There are concerns about malfunctions, such as retrieval failures or lost gear, which could affect fishing efficiency.
- Technology learning curve: Using and maintaining the electronic or acoustic systems adds complexity to traditional fishing practices.
Ropeless crab fishing gear has the potential of a promising solution to protect marine life while allowing fishing to continue, but it also comes with economic and operational hurdles that still need to be addressed. The development and testing of ropeless fishing gear highlights the cooperative efforts among scientists, engineers, and the fishing industry aimed at protecting marine life while improving fishing practices. This partnership is crucial to the future of sustainable fishing, as it underscores the importance of providing fishers with accurate, timely information so they can adapt to evolving technologies and regulations.