Since 2020, we’ve been working with the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center through a federal subcontract with Maryland-based IBSS Corp. Consulting directly with researchers and managers, we’re helping several branches of NEFSC achieve their communications and outreach goals.
One of the most impactful projects we’ve produced is the NEFSC Gear Research Series. In three videos, we highlight the collaboration between the Protected Species Branch’s gear design team, fishermen, and other researchers; what ropeless or on-demand fishing will do to protect endangered marine life; and how a modified gillnet can prevent sea turtle bycatch. Working in close consultation with staff at NEFSC, the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, and NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources, as well as fishermen, these videos reflect multiple levels of dedication to solving the fisheries bycatch problem. We were especially excited to collaborate with Hanji Chang of Portland, ME-based Puckerbrush Animation Studio to demonstrate the various types of ropless gear and how it works.
These videos pertain especially to New England fisheries, but have been used nationwide as federal rules expand to protect endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale. It’s an honor to work on such impactful projects, and we hope that spreading the word through video leads to further collaboration and adoption of these life-saving technologies.
Better Gear By Design
Lose the Rope, Give Whales Hope
