Borrow From The Northeast Fisheries Science Center Gear Library
The gear library is a collection of on-demand or “ropeless” systems, built with help and donations from environmental and academic organizations, that we lend to fishermen for testing.
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In our current collection, we have experimental gear designed to remove the vertical buoy line from the water column. This significantly reduces the risk of entanglement for large whales. These systems use very little vertical line, which can entangle whales; instead, they rely on other methods for bringing gear to the surface for retrieval.
After completing an in-field training day, commercially permitted fishermen and researchers can borrow pop-up buoys, inflatable lift bag systems, and buoyant spools. In return, the borrowers must provide us with information into how the gear operates on their vessels, any problems encountered, and suggestions for improving the technologies. This feedback is shared with manufacturers and others developing marketable on-demand gear and retrieval systems.
If you have gear you would like us to add to the library, contact nec.gearlibrary@noaa.gov.
Who Can Borrow Gear
We are currently prioritizing loans to commercial fishermen in the greater New England fixed-gear fisheries affected by time-area closures. There are also a number of requirements participants and vessels must meet to borrow gear.
How to Borrow Gear
Submit a request to borrow on-demand fishing gear from our library. We are excited to partner with you!
What’s in the Gear Library
Pop-up Buoys
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The vertical line is stowed inside of a cage that sits on the seafloor and is attached to the end of a string of traps. When a signal is sent from the surface to the transducer in the cage, the line and buoyant device are released up to the surface where the vessel can then retrieve the gear in a standard fashion.
Inflatable Lift Bags
A lift bag is attached to a cage that houses compressed air tanks similar to those used for scuba diving. The cage is attached to the end of a string of traps. A signal is sent from the surface to the transducer in the cage, inflating the lift bag and bringing the cage to the surface, ready for retrieval.
Buoyant Spools
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The line coiled around the buoyant spool is connected to an anchor or weight on the seafloor. Once the release signal is sent over the transducer cable, a release device on the spool opens and allows the spool to unwind as it floats to the surface.
Program Requirements
There are a number of requirements for participants and their operations that are summarized below. Download the official details (pdf, 2 pages).
Permits and Landings
- An active/valid state or federal commercial fishing permit
- Dealer verified 3-year landings history in the past 5 years
Research Capability
- Access to a vessel 24/7 in order to move and retrieve gear, and the ability to grapple for lost gear if necessary
- A written plan to mitigate potential gear conflict
- Rudimentary computer skills necessary to operate the tablet and software.
- Willingness to: coordinate with the Northeast Fisheries Science Center on gear modifications, as necessary; allow observers/engineers on the vessel when practical; and participate in training and support to demonstrate knowledge of the system borrowed
- Commitment to: return the gear in the same shape it was loaned, understanding that there will be normal wear and tear; return the gear to the Northeast Fisheries Science Center when research is completed (within 3 months unless an extension is expressly granted)
- Commitment to: assume liability for yourself or the crew for any personal risk or property damage associated with use of the on-demand gear; data sharing consistent with the program’s data policy
Vessel Safety Standards
- The vessel must be sound, seaworthy, and capable of operating out to the planned research location
- Carry a current fishing vessel safety decal issued by the U.S. Coast Guard as required for vessels operating in federal waters
- Meet all federal safety, firefighting, and lifesaving equipment requirements for commercial fishing vessels
- Carry personal floatation devices and survival craft of sufficient number and capacity to accommodate all on board including visiting scientific party and of the type required for a vessel of its size, class, and service
- Maintain a navigational watch at all times while the vessel is at sea
- Have an emergency source of electrical power capable of supplying connected emergency loads continuously for at least 3 hours and must be located in a space or locker other than the engine room. Batteries of sufficient size and capacity may serve as an adequate source of emergency power
Data Collection and Handling Requirements
- Collect data on each haul during which on-demand fishing is occurring
- Collect data on NOAA Fisheries-approved data sheet
- Provide data to NOAA Fisheries within 30 days of system use
- Data on the operation of the on-demand system is public information. Specific information like the name of the fishermen, vessel name, and fishing location will be redacted to the extent required by law. The general location where the gear was tested (for example, statistical area, offshore vs. inshore) is likely to be shared to the extent required or authorized by law.