A Proposal for Functional Data Specifications of On-Demand Fishing Gear

On-demand fishing technology (also known as ropeless, buoyless, or pop-up gear) is one of the most promising tools for the fixed gear fishing industry to reduce entanglements with marine species. To reduce the level of serious injury and mortality to large whales, including critically endangered North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), areas seasonally closed to traditional fixed gear have been introduced within fishing grounds. The use of on-demand fishing gear allows fixed gear fishermen to access these time-area closures. On-demand fishing technology removes the need for persistent surface buoys and vertical lines attached to pots or traps on the seafloor.