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Back-Up Buoy

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Derelict Traps

Traps that sit on the bottom are “ghost fishing”

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Solving the lost trap problem

The Back-Up Buoy would have been able to bring the rope to the surface even after the main buoy was separated from getting run over.

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Traditional Buoy vs Back-Up Buoy

The rope sinks down with the Back-Up Buoy.

The rope sinks at an angle with a normal buoy.

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Back-Up Buoy Components

The buoy and CO2 canister are critical, but there will also be a pressure gauge, power source, timer, and basic computer system to monitor the sensors and inflate the buoy.

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NOAA study on Chesapeake Bay

Storms, propeller strikes, and abandonment were listed as the most likely causes.

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The study said 12-20% of traps set are lost.

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Trap Cost

High end gear can cost hundreds of dollars to replace, and take time to set up.

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Sources:

Image of ghost fishing trap: https://www.vims.edu/newsandevents/topstories/2019/crab_trap_app.php

NOAA’s study: https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/publications-files/DFG_Effects_Chesapeake_Bay_Final_Report_2016.pdf