A fishing trap handling system for handling fishing traps on a deck of a fishing vessel is provided. The fishing trap handling system comprises a gantry crane type lifting apparatus for being mounted to the fishing vessel. The lifting apparatus is adapted for operation while the fishing vessel is exposed to rough seas. An end effector is mounted to a hoist of the lifting apparatus. The end effector is adapted for easily engaging one of the fishing traps and for holding the fishing trap in a substantially horizontal orientation.

A fishing trap handling system for handling fishing traps on a deck of a fishing vessel is provided. The fishing trap handling system comprises a gantry crane type lifting apparatus for being mounted to the fishing vessel. The lifting apparatus is adapted for operation while the fishing vessel is exposed to rough seas. An end effector is mounted to a hoist of the lifting apparatus. The end effector is adapted for easily engaging one of the fishing traps and for holding the fishing trap in a substantially horizontal orientation.