Ropeless fishing technology to release a trap line entangling a right whale

WHOI engineers have developed a patent-pending ropeless technology that uses an acoustic signal to release a line from a trap. Engineers have completed onshore testing of the prototype hardware with successful results, clearing the way to move forward with at sea trials. The results of these tests, including feedback from fishermen, should allow the engineers to revisit the design of the hardware to improve usability and manufacturability. (Illustration by Eric S. Taylor, © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)