The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a $543,846 Project Grant to the Smelts Sea Mammal Education Learning Technology Society under the Fisheries Development and Utilization Research and Development Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program (CFDA 11.427). The grant will fund Smelts to develop and deliver ropeless lobster fishing gear to three fishermen, one in Maine and two in Massachusetts, between December 2022 and October 2024. Specifically, Smelts will outfit the vessels of these commercial lobstermen with new technology incorporating smart buoys, acoustic modems and directional acoustic transponders to test the efficacy of different gear retrieval systems. The project aims to advance ropeless trap/pot retrieval technology for use in both inshore and offshore waters while also evaluating the interoperability of gear and equipment from multiple manufacturers. This work supports the grant program's goals of sustainably developing fisheries industries and seafood opportunities.
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