Crab Raft Inc — Department of Commerce SBIR Phase II: 9.2.04

Description

North Atlantic Right Whales and many other endangered marine species have experienced negative effects by entanglement with bottom set fishing gear. Crab Raft Inc. has developed, tested and demonstrated its innovative, ropeless lift bag fishing gear, targeted primarily for the crab and lobster fishing industries. With no ropes, Crab Raft Inc. ropeless fishing gear has no entanglement potential for marine life. This innovative fishing gear fulfills many needs of fishermen and regulators and has extensive US manufacturing potential. Crab Raft Inc. gear utilizes patented & patent pending variable buoyancy, acoustically actuated, lift bag fishing gear modules that retrieve/haul commercial and recreational trap/pot fisheries to the surface without buoys or end lines but with lift bags. This invention's proven practical integrations present various other commercial applications throughout oceangoing industries. Crab Raft Inc. proposes SBIR Phase II funds to equip a specialized manufacturing facility, build demonstration prototypes of Crab Raft gear from SBIR Phase I BOM developments, construct digital and analog acoustic trigger prototypes, integrate Smart Buoy location and oceanographic data collection/communication devices, continue testing lift bag ropeless gear with commercial fishermen and prepare for SBIR Phase III: mass production of Crab Raft Inc. innovative ropeless lift bag fishing gear.