Gillnets
Northern Pacific Ocean
Gillnets are designed to trap fish that swim into them, which become increasingly entangled as they fight to get out. They are either tethered into the substrate (set gillnets) or attached to buoys and float at a specific depth (drift gillnets).


Target Species
Groundfish
Salmon
Bycatch Species
Marine Mammals
Seabirds
Sharks and Rays
Solutions
View allFunding Opportunities
View allDescription
The Swordfish Deep Buoy Set Gear (DBSG) experimental fishery is a low-bycatch alternative to traditional commercial gear targeting swordfish, pelagic longlines and drifting gillnets. DSBG reduces bycatch by setting beneath the thermocline, where non-targeted species are uncommon, and promoting the removal of high-risk traditional longline and gillnet fisheries.
A major challenge in the DBSG fishery is the ability to locate the gear in rough or foggy conditions, and at night. By using smart buoys, fishers will always know exactly where their lines are and can quickly recover them. This not only prevents any from being lost, but drastically decreases the amount of time spent looking for gear, increasing catch rates. In addition, they do not have to keep gear in sight which improves the fishing experience by decreasing their exposure to dangerous conditions on deck. Last swordfish season, 2022-23, three vessels fished successfully using smart buoys and more vessels have requested interest in adopting the technology.
This funding opportunity fully outfits two swordfish DSBG vessels registered to an Experimental Fishing Permit off the coast of southern California with Blue Ocean Gear Farallon Smart Buoys. Each vessel will receive ten Smart Buoys and 1 Wireless Charger, a software plan, initial training in their use, and technical support throughout the fishing season, September 2023 to March 2024. Updates will be provided after implementation, after the season, and the beginning of the next season in the fall of 2024.
Click "I'm Interested" to contact the Bycatch Solutions Hub for more details.
Beneficiary: Blue Ocean Gear
- Fully Outfit 4 DSBG Vessels $27,750 USD