Ropeless gear systems reduce line and/or time the line is in the water. We work wish fishermen to test ropeless alternatives that may help reduce harmful interactions with #marinemammals, #seaturtles, other protected species: bit.ly/3bgb8mV. #WhaleWeek #NEFSCScience
Ropeless Gear Reduces Large Whale Entanglement
Large whales, including humpbacks and the endangered North Atlantic right whale, can become entangled in lobster and gillnet gear. NOAA Fisheries has required many changes to the gear to reduce entanglements and the injuries and deaths that may result. While these regulations have reduced this risk, some remains.
NOAA Fisheries continues to work with the fishing industry and others to find solutions that will eliminate this risk. We have built relationships with fishermen, people who manufacture ropeless systems, and environmental organizations. We are working to further the development of safe and feasible fishing methods that do not use vertical lines in pot/trap and other fishing gears.
read more here https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/science-data/protected-species-gear-research
