WaTS – Whale and Trap System by BAITSAVIOR

Ropeless Fishing & Whale-Safe Gear Solution

WaTS (Whale and Trap System) is a ropeless fishing device developed to support whale-safe fishing practices in commercial lobster and crab fisheries.

As ropeless and on-demand fishing systems continue to be adopted worldwide, fisheries are increasingly removing permanent vertical lines and surface buoys from the water column. This approach significantly reduces the risk of marine mammal entanglement — particularly involving whales — while helping fishermen operate within evolving whale-protection regulations.

A Practical Solution for Fixed-Gear Fisheries

WaTS is a compact, practical, and field-proven ropeless solution designed specifically for fixed-gear fisheries such as lobster and crab operations.

Mounted directly onto lobster or crab pots, WaTS remains inactive during normal fishing operations. It does not interfere with how fishermen set, fish, or manage their gear, allowing crews to continue working using familiar methods.

Its primary objective is to eliminate vertical lines from the water column during the soak, without disrupting day-to-day fishing activity.

How WaTS Ropeless Fishing Works

WaTS can be programmed in advance to activate on a specific date and time selected by the fisherman.

Until activation, the fishing gear remains completely ropeless, with no surface buoy or vertical line present in the water column.

At the scheduled time:

• WaTS automatically deploys an integrated buoy

• The fishing gear becomes clearly marked for recovery

• Fishermen can safely locate and haul their lobster or crab pots

This controlled, timed deployment ensures predictable retrieval while maintaining full ropeless compliance during the fishing period.

Key Operational Benefits

By combining scheduled activation with automatic buoy deployment, WaTS allows fishermen to:

• Retrieve traps with confidence and accuracy

• Maintain efficient and predictable hauling schedules

• Reduce gear conflicts and vessel interference

• Prevent long-term ghost fishing

• Minimize gear loss after storms or heavy traffic

Designed for Real-World Commercial Use

WaTS is engineered to meet the operational realities of commercial fisheries:

• Direct mounting onto lobster and crab pots

• Compact and low-profile design

• Timed activation (date and time based)

• Suitable for individual traps or full fleet deployment

• Compatible with daily commercial fishing operations

The system can be deployed gradually, allowing fishermen to start with priority gear and expand usage as benefits are proven.

Supporting Whale-Safe and Sustainable Fishing

By removing permanent vertical lines from the water column, WaTS directly contributes to:

🌊 Reduced whale and marine mammal entanglement risk
🦞 Compliance with whale-safe and ropeless fishing programs
⚓ Improved gear protection and recovery
🌍 Reduced marine debris and environmental impact

WaTS supports responsible fishing practices while helping preserve both marine ecosystems and fishing livelihoods.

Integration with the Bait Saviour System

WaTS can operate as a standalone ropeless solution or be integrated into the Bait Saviour System, allowing connection between:

• Traps and ropeless retrieval systems

• Bait containers

• Hub and Remote communication units

This integrated approach provides improved visibility, coordinated retrieval planning, and enhanced operational control across an entire fleet.

Regulatory & Operational Notice

WaTS is designed to support whale-safe and ropeless fishing practices.
Regulatory acceptance may vary by region. Fishermen should always verify applicable local regulations and program requirements prior to deployment.

Key Summary

• Ropeless fishing system for lobster and crab fisheries

• Eliminates vertical lines during soak

• Timed automatic buoy deployment

• Reduces whale entanglement risk

• Supports regulatory compliance

• Protects fishing gear and reduces losses

• Compatible with the Bait Saviour System