Approved Weak Rope for Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan

Learn which manufactured weak ropes are approved for use under the 2021 Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan modifications

New England/Mid-Atlantic

Requirements for the use of buoy line with a maximum breaking strength of 1,700 lbs through the use of manufactured weak rope (below) or weak inserts are outlined in the 2021 modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. These requirements apply to the Northeast Lobster/Jonah crab trap/pot fishery only. Requirements for all other areas, other trap/pot fisheries, and gillnet fisheries remain the same.

The modifications remove the requirement for weak link at buoys and other surface system flotation devices, though they are not prohibited, and adds requirements for weak rope or insertions within the buoy line.

Fishermen are also encouraged to maintain their buoy lines to be as knot-free as possible, using the least number of knots necessary given the length of the buoy line. Splices are considered to be less of an entanglement threat and are preferable to knots.

Average breaking strengths were determined through 10 consecutive tests on a calibrated rope-breaking machine at the NEFSC lab in 2021. To be approved, the average breaking strength must be within 10 percent of 1,700 lbs. These tests are the basis for NOAA Fisheries approval of this rope.

Approved Fully Formed Weak Rope - Braided Ropes

The approved braided ropes can be used as full weak rope (but not inserts) connected to your regular line using a knot at the depth required for your fishing area (the depth of your lowest required weak insertion or the proportion of your rope required to be weak).

Currently the fully formed weak ropes approved for use are:

Image	Rope Details
Image	Float Rope Manufactured by Neocorp White with black tracer (1/2” diameter) Average Breaking Strength: 1730 lbs Available at Ketcham Supply in New Bedford, MA Approved July 2023 Note: May be used to reduce chafing on bottom. How to use: In top 75% of weak rope, may use float weak rope in bottom 25%, so that the weak float rope connects the strong rope to the weak sinking rope. Attach with double sheet bend on both ends Black tracer counts as black mark, still need to add green mark to weak float rope, or add black and green marks as required to bottom 25% strong rope.
Image	White with black and green tracer (1/2” diameter) Manufactured by Neocorp Average Breaking Strength: 1870 lbs Available at Ketcham Supply in New Bedford, MA Approved March 2023 Note: Must be attached to other rope with a double sheet bend to allow for clean breaks
Image	Neocorp 3/8" polyester rope (1021) (here pictured with gray tracer) Manufactured by Neocorp Average Breaking Strength: 1,530 lbs Available at Brooks Trap Mill (ME/RI) Approved September 2021
Image	5/16" #10 Braid Manufactured by Neocorp Average Breaking Strength: 1,229 lbs Available at Brooks Trap Mill (ME/RI) Approved November 2021
Image Neocorp 5/8 inch rope	5/8" Neocorp with black and green tracers Manufactured by Neocorp Average Breaking Strength: 1826 lbs Available at Brooks Trap Mill (ME/RI) Approved February 2024

White with black tracer weak rope attached with sheet bend to strong rope — Neocorp 1/2" must be attached to other rope with double sheet bend knot. This knot maintains most of the strength of the rope and breaks with clean ends.

Watch a demonstration of how to use the Neocorp 1/2 inch rope.

Approved Fully Formed Weak Rope - 3-Strand Ropes

These ropes can be used as either weak inserts (must be at least 3 feet in length) or fully weak toppers at the lengths required for your fishing area.

Image	Details
Image	Red (5/16” diameter) Manufactured by Rocky Mount Cordage Company Average Breaking Strength: 1,438 lbs Available at Ketcham Supply in New Bedford, MA Approved September 2021
Image	Candy Cane (3/8” diameter) v01/22 (available in state colors, shown here in red) Manufactured by Rocky Mount Cordage Company Average Breaking Strength: 1,752 lbs Available at Ketcham Supply in New Bedford, MA Approved February 2022
Image	Candy Cane (3/8” diameter) Manufactured by Rocky Mount Cordage Company Average Breaking Strength: 1,568 lbs Available at Ketcham Supply in New Bedford, MA Approved September 2021
Image	Everson 3/8 3-Strand Manufactured by Everson Average Breaking Strength: 1,868 lbs State-colored tracers marked "whale-safe" can be woven through Produced in contrasting colors Approved April 2022
Image	Everson Whale Safe Rope 3/8 inch medium lay Average Breaking Strength: 1,865 lbs Red tracer for Massachusetts Available September 2022
Image	Everson Whale Safe Rope 3/8 inch medium lay Average Breaking Strength: 1,865 lbs Purple tracer for Maine Available September 2022
Image	3/8 inch Titan State-specific colors coming soon Average Breaking Strength: 1,697 lbs Approved October 2023
Image	Polysteel weak rope 5/8 inch sink rope Average Breaking Strength: 1,858 lbs Approved February 2024 Available from gear suppliers including: Brooks Trap Mill, Hercules in New Bedford, New England Marine Industrial, Friendship Trap, Down East Fishing Supply