NOAA Explores Ropeless Gear to Save Whales From Lines
Published Date: 7/16/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA wants to hear from fishermen and experts about using ropeless fishing gear—gear that doesn’t have those big, floating ropes in the water. This could change how fishing works in the Northeastern U.S. and Atlantic coast, making it safer for whales and easier for fishers. If you’ve got ideas or experience, speak up by October 14, 2026, to help shape future fishing rules and tech.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 5 mixed.
Ropeless Gear Could Restore Access
NMFS says that if ropeless fishing gear is authorized and paired with approved alternative gear-markings (such as digital marks), fishermen could regain access to areas that are currently closed because they prohibit persistent buoy lines. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 requires NMFS to implement additional whale protection measures by December 31, 2028, and ropeless gear is being considered as a way fixed-gear fishermen could continue fishing in new or modified restricted areas if authorized.
Cost, Equity, and EFP Access Concerns
NMFS notes concerns that ropeless gear (especially on‑demand systems) can be costly and technologically demanding, potentially favoring better‑capitalized operators. NMFS is considering options to reduce cost burdens (leasing from gear libraries, grants, or loans) and is worried long‑term reliance on exempted fishing permits (EFPs) could create unequal access.
Digital Marking and Data Sharing Options
NMFS is considering requiring digitally marked ropeless gear and using a data aggregator to share gear locations; options range from curated sharing within a vessel radius to fully public feeds. Sharing and viewing ropeless gear location data in near real-time may require internet or cellular access on vessels and raises privacy and cost tradeoffs for fishermen.
Safety and Reliability Standards Possible
NMFS is considering minimum safety and reliability standards for on-demand and timed-retrieval ropeless systems, including whether a "man overboard" retrieval feature should be required for some gear types. Trials reported an overall retrieval success rate above 91 percent and an on-demand device recovery rate of about 99.8 percent (fewer than 1 in 600 hauls lost).
Training or Competency Requirements Considered
NMFS is considering whether operators should have to demonstrate they can deploy, retrieve, and mark ropeless gear before being authorized to use it, via options ranging from reviewing materials to on‑the‑water practical tests. NMFS asks who should develop and administer such training and how repeated operator errors should be handled.
Reporting Premature Releases and Gear Conflicts
NMFS is asking whether fishermen should be required to report premature releases of on‑demand or timed‑retrieval systems and whether gear conflicts should be reported. NMFS notes automatic notifications would require additional devices and increase the price of each ropeless system.
Interoperability and Law Enforcement Challenges
NMFS highlights that current on‑demand systems use proprietary acoustic protocols, forcing enforcement vessels to carry multiple manufacturer‑specific deck boxes and transducers, and asks whether a common acoustic protocol should be required to ensure interoperability. NMFS also notes challenges inspecting timed‑retrieval or grapple‑only gear.
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