On-Demand (“Ropeless”) Retrieval — Pilot Integration & Training
Keep vertical lines out of the water until haul. We integrate rope-on-command acoustic releases (e.g., ROC, ARC-1 class) so traps are set with no persistent surface line; crews trigger a release by acoustic command at haul time. In Canada, on-demand gear is advancing under DFO’s Whalesafe Fishing Gear work and authorized pilot pathways—we make the regulatory, hardware, and deck-workflow pieces simple.
Primary CTA: Explore pilot options
Secondary CTA: Download the on-demand briefing (PDF)
What it is (in plain language)
On-demand (“ropeless”) systems store the rope and marker at depth with the gear. When you arrive to haul, an acoustic release lifts a retrieval line or lift-bag so you can pick up and haul—no fixed vertical rope during soak time. This cuts entanglement risk while keeping sets viable in sensitive areas.
Where it fits in Canada (2025+)
- DFO’s 2025 right-whale measures introduce an optional whalesafe-gear pilot in dynamic zones. Participating harvesters can be authorized to continue fishing in shallow water during prohibitions by meeting specific gear requirements aimed at reducing entanglement impact. On-demand systems are part of Canada’s whalesafe gear roadmap and pilot toolbox.
- DFO’s Whalesafe Fishing Gear pages describe on-demand gear (no fixed vertical line) and LBS as the two innovation tracks the strategy supports across Canadian fisheries.
What we deliver
- Regulatory pathfinding: We confirm pilot/authorization options for your area and license and prep any required submissions.
- Hardware plan: Select and size an acoustic release package (trigger method, lift capacity, battery/service intervals) and deck attachments, vendor-agnostic.
- Deck workflow & training: Boat-side install, acoustic checkouts, retrieval drills, emergency procedures.
- Data & recordkeeping: Simple haul logs and photo/video checks to support pilot reporting.
- Fallback integration: If pilots require it, we map your sets to LBS and gear-marking requirements when a vertical line is present (per licence).
How an on-demand pilot rollout works
- License & area review → confirm pilot/authorization path and any notice conditions.
- System selection → choose ROC/ARC-class hardware and retrieval accessories that match your sets.
- Dockside fit-up → mount, configure, and test acoustic command/release; set call-signs and codes.
- Sea trial → run short soaks with supervised hauls; capture timings and deck workflow video.
- Pilot operations → scale to routine sets with weekly check-ins and a simple reporting template.
FAQs
Is on-demand gear “legal” now?
Yes—via authorized pilots/conditions. Canada has been running ropeless/rope-on-demand trials since 2018, and the 2025 framework continues providing pilot pathways; authorization and conditions are fishery- and area-specific.
Does this replace all other requirements (marking, reporting)?
No. Where a vertical line is used (e.g., during retrieval), gear-marking rules still apply per your license, and lost-gear / marine-mammal interaction reporting remains mandatory. We provide quick-link cards to the official DFO forms.
Compliance note
Deployment is authorization-dependent. We align each project with your license wording, the current NARW management measures, and DFO’s Whalesafe Fishing Gear guidance. Always follow your official conditions and notices.