An example line restraint system comprises a housing, a processor, a motor, a release cam, and a timer. The release cam comprises a stem portion and an arm portion. The stem portion is proximate to the housing and the arm portion may be opposite the stem portion. The stem portion may be rotatably coupled to the motor. The motor may be configured to turn the arm portion of the release cam between an open and closed state. When in the closed state, an overhang of the arm portion at least partially defines a cavity capable of retaining a release line. When in the open state, the release cam opens the cavity to enable release of the release line. The timer may receive instructions from the processor to set a particular time and to trigger the motor to turn the release cam from the closed state to the open state.

Dredging is a very destructive method of harvesting scallops as it causes significant damage to marine habitats and contaminates scallops with grit. The invention described herein provides a scallop trap comprising: a chamber having an opening; a ramp, for directing scallops to the opening, having a first portion disposed outside of the chamber and a second portion adjacent to the opening, and in use the second portion is disposed above the first portion; and an attractant disposed, in use, above the second portion of the ramp. In this way, scallops can be captured more sustainably without excessive damage to their habitat and without introducing excess grit to the scallop.

Dredging is a very destructive method of harvesting scallops as it causes significant damage to marine habitats and contaminates scallops with grit. The invention described herein provides a scallop trap comprising: a chamber having an opening; a ramp, for directing scallops to the opening, having a first portion disposed outside of the chamber and a second portion adjacent to the opening, and in use the second portion is disposed above the first portion; and an attractant disposed, in use, above the second portion of the ramp. In this way, scallops can be captured more sustainably without excessive damage to their habitat and without introducing excess grit to the scallop.

A crawfish harvest system and method of harvesting crawfish from a crawfish pond, without entry into the pond by personnel or boats. A crawfish trap deployment and retrieval unit is positioned by a crawfish pond. One or more crawfish traps are attached to a main line, which is engaged with the deployment and retrieval unit and runs into the crawfish pond and around one or more turn points in the pond, forming an endless loop of main line. The crawfish traps can be deployed into and retrieved from the crawfish pond by the deployment and retrieval unit pulling the main line, without personnel, boat or other entry into the pond.

A system for coupling a crab pot with another crab pot includes a first receiver mountable to a first crab pot, a second receiver mountable to a second crab pot, and a coupler operable to engage the first receiver and the second receiver to couple the first crab pot with the second crab pot. The first and second receivers, each include a hole. The coupler includes a first holding component operable to hold the first receiver when the first holding component is inserted into the hole of the first receiver, and a second holding component operable to hold the second receiver when the second holding component is inserted into the hole of the second receiver. The coupler also includes an appendage that, while the coupler couples the crab pots, allows a deckhand to grab or stand on to help him/her remain on the pots while he/she climbs on over and/or around the pots.

A system for coupling a crab pot with another crab pot includes a first receiver mountable to a first crab pot, a second receiver mountable to a second crab pot, and a coupler operable to engage the first receiver and the second receiver to couple the first crab pot with the second crab pot. The first and second receivers, each include a hole. The coupler includes a first holding component operable to hold the first receiver when the first holding component is inserted into the hole of the first receiver, and a second holding component operable to hold the second receiver when the second holding component is inserted into the hole of the second receiver. The coupler also includes an appendage that, while the coupler couples the crab pots, allows a deckhand to grab or stand on to help him/her remain on the pots while he/she climbs on over and/or around the pots.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a crustacean trap can include a cage configured to trap one or more crustaceans, and a propulsion system connected to the cage and configured to provide propulsion to the cage. In certain embodiments, the trap can include a controller configured to control the propulsion system to autonomously pilot the trap.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a crustacean trap can include a cage configured to trap one or more crustaceans, and a propulsion system connected to the cage and configured to provide propulsion to the cage. In certain embodiments, the trap can include a controller configured to control the propulsion system to autonomously pilot the trap.

Presented is a system and method via nature-inspired design and engineering to autonomously fish, sort and deliver the catch. It implements rope-less fishing via a novel variable buoyancy device and an autonomous aerial and underwater vehicle as a fishing gear carrier. Its versatile capabilities are comprised of the AI sorting capability to comply with regulations, the capability to capture renewable energy to reduce operating costs, the capability to both passively fish with bait and proactively hunt for fish and the capability to gather intelligence to find optimal fishing grounds.

Presented is a system and method via nature-inspired design and engineering to autonomously fish, sort and deliver the catch. It implements rope-less fishing via a novel variable buoyancy device and an autonomous aerial and underwater vehicle as a fishing gear carrier. Its versatile capabilities are comprised of the AI sorting capability to comply with regulations, the capability to capture renewable energy to reduce operating costs, the capability to both passively fish with bait and proactively hunt for fish and the capability to gather intelligence to find optimal fishing grounds.