Grant: Alliance Grants

Crab traps can be lost under water due to rough sea conditions, equipment failure, theft, human error, or natural disasters. Lost crab traps can contribute to ghost fishing, where the traps continue to catch and kill marine life, even when they are no longer being actively used. Each year, thousands of crab traps are lost, which can have hazardous environmental impacts such as habitat destruction, bycatch, and economic losses. This proposal focuses on improving the retrieval systems of crab traps to prevent ghost fishing. Two additive manufacturing methods will be employed to address specific components of the system. The first method involves using additive manufacturing to produce a plastic GPS system for efficient trap retrieval. The second method aims to manufacture a plastic weak link for the retrieval system. Currently, this plastic component is imported into Canada at a high cost. To enhance productivity and cost-effectiveness, an innovative mold design will be developed, allowing for local manufacturing in Canada. By leveraging additive manufacturing techniques, the proposal aims to optimize the retrieval process, reduce costs, and promote sustainable practices within the Canadian fishing industry.