A Whale of a Breakthrough!

Finally, a proven system which integrates with existing commercial fishing gear to mitigate the possibility of entanglement by endangered migrating marine mammals found near our coastal fisheries.

WHAT IS BREAK-AWAY?

Break-Away Release Link is a patented system (PCT/CA2022/050329) that solves the problem of marine mammal entanglements in commercial fishing gear. A key feature of this proven system is that it can be used with existing commercial gear, and creates no additional work or extra training for crews. Once installed, the Break-Away system is ready. Should a marine mammal entanglement occur, the rope will simply break away.

 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Break-Away system is designed and tested to become the weakest link in a trap buoy setup. During normal use, the rope will connect traps with buoys and gear even in the roughest of conditions. If entangled with a marine mammal, the weak link gives way to safely free the mammal.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The simplicity and effectiveness of the Break-Away Release Link system makes it ideal for any commercial fishing operation where the possibility of marine mammal entanglement exists. Crab and lobster fleets are particularly at risk, but the system can be added to virtually any gear setup where ropes and marine mammals could possibly interact. The system is relatively economical, as it becomes an add-on to existing gear rather than a replacement solution.

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