This project will engage fixed and mobile gear fishermen to participate in gillnet gear redesign activities

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded $200,000 under the Cooperative Research Program (CFDA 11.472) to the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning & Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife, effective June 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. This cooperative agreement supports collaborative gear redesign activities that engage fixed and mobile gear fishermen in developing and improving ropeless gillnet fishing technology. Blue Planet Strategies and engineers from leading ropeless gear manufacturers will partner with fishermen representing gillnet, lobster, and mobile fishing fleets to design innovative ropeless gillnet gear based on practical experience with existing ropeless gear systems.

The project will deliver new or improved ropeless gillnet gear designs and associated modifications intended to optimize on-board operations and enhance the viability of this technology for commercial fishing operations. This work aligns with NOAA's Cooperative Research Program objective to facilitate partnerships between the fishing industry and scientists to advance sustainable fisheries management and develop innovative solutions that balance operational needs with marine resource conservation goals.

Blue planet strategies and engineers from leading ropeless gear manufacturers will work with fishermen representing gillnet, lobster, and mobile fleets. They plan to design ropeless gillnet gear based on the fishermens experience using or interacting with current ropeless gear. The result will be new or improved gear designs and related modifications to improve on-board operations with the ropeless gillnet gear.