Development of Snag-Free Fishing Gear

Coonamessett Farm in partnership with the International Wildlife Coalition, Massachusetts Lobstermens Association, Massachusetts Bay Netters Association and others developed and tested snag-free fishing gear for use in reducing right whale entanglement and mortality. An extensive amount of information was collected on the right whale entanglement problem associated with lobster trap buoys and gill net strings. Laboratory and field engineering tests of weak link designs and materials were conducted.