A shellfish trap system and a method for developing a reef are provided. The shellfish trap system includes a growing assembly, a first protective layer, and a second protective layer. The growing assembly includes a material which is conducive for shellfish in the pediveliger larvae stage to attach to. The first protective layer substantially envelops at least a first portion of the growing assembly during a first developmental stage of the shellfish and is removed from the growing assembly after completion of the first developmental stage. The second protective layer substantially envelops at least a second portion of the growing assembly during a second developmental stage of the shellfish, wherein the at least a second portion of the growing assembly is submerged in water during the second developmental stage of the shellfish.

An improved crab trap having a selectable counting device that actuates floatable transmitters that indicate when a certain number of crabs have entered the trap. The transmitters are connected to receivers that can determine which traps have crabs allowing the fisherman to improve and optimize the counting of crabs and pulling of crab pots.

An improved crab trap having a selectable counting device that actuates floatable transmitters that indicate when a certain number of crabs have entered the trap. The transmitters are connected to receivers that can determine which traps have crabs allowing the fisherman to improve and optimize the counting of crabs and pulling of crab pots.

The invention is a system comprising a wire cage trap and wire-cage enclosed lifting subsystem. The two systems are attached and submerged together. When ready to be retrieved, a sound control signal is conveyed to the system. The sound control signal is converted to an electric control signal, which enables inflation of a buoyancy bladder and bringing the wire-cage trap and wire-cage lifting subsystems to the surface. The invention may comprise sensors in the lifting system which can provide information about valve on-off state, gas pressure, depth and location. That information is converted from electric to sound signals and generated through the water.

The fish catching trap includes a substantially rigid round base having an open net surrounding it. A buoy or float is attached to the net by a line, the buoy being held stationary to an upper handle-like portion of the base using a nail or pin. The pin is attached to a string connected to fish bait placed in the bottom of the trap. When a fish disturbs or moves the bait, the string is pulled and the pin is released, allowing the buoy to quickly move upwards, closing the net surrounding the base and trapping any fish in the area. A second buoy serves as a visual indicator that the trap has been sprung.

Methods of attracting marine life and methods of stabilizing marine feeds or attractants in flowing water involve submerging stable marine attractant feed block products in water for at least 12 hours where a portion of the feed block dissociates from itself and another portion of the feed block remains intact after about 12 hours. Marine life is attracted to the dissociated portions of the feed block dissociated, and/or to the portion of the marine attractant feed block that remains intact. The feed block includes at least one of a marine feed or attractant, a binder composition, the binder composition comprising a hardening agent and a cross-linked edible polymer comprised of an edible acid and a gelatinized starch, and a sugar component, where the at least one of the marine feed or attractant is retained within a web defined by the binder and distributed throughout the marine attractant feed block.

Methods of attracting marine life and methods of stabilizing marine feeds or attractants in flowing water involve submerging stable marine attractant feed block products in water for at least 12 hours where a portion of the feed block dissociates from itself and another portion of the feed block remains intact after about 12 hours. Marine life is attracted to the dissociated portions of the feed block dissociated, and/or to the portion of the marine attractant feed block that remains intact. The feed block includes at least one of a marine feed or attractant, a binder composition, the binder composition comprising a hardening agent and a cross-linked edible polymer comprised of an edible acid and a gelatinized starch, and a sugar component, where the at least one of the marine feed or attractant is retained within a web defined by the binder and distributed throughout the marine attractant feed block.

A mechanical fish trap system is adapted to be installed in native water environments. The trap chamber is positioned in a first native water environment. The chamber includes a trap gate to allow a fish to swim into the trap chamber and then retain it therein. A water pipe is connected to the trap chamber. A water pump then pumps water through the water pipe and into the trap chamber and out the trap gate. The water pipe inlet is positioned in a second native water environment that is imbalanced with the water in the first native water environment.

A mechanical fish trap system is adapted to be installed in native water environments. The trap chamber is positioned in a first native water environment. The chamber includes a trap gate to allow a fish to swim into the trap chamber and then retain it therein. A water pipe is connected to the trap chamber. A water pump then pumps water through the water pipe and into the trap chamber and out the trap gate. The water pipe inlet is positioned in a second native water environment that is imbalanced with the water in the first native water environment.

A wire structure may have a loop of fishing line on each of four sides, with weights to lower the line, giving a loop on each side. These loops may be tied to a central fishing line, which a user may pull to close the loops. This may catch a crab if one is in the trap, allowing a user to bring the crab to a wharf or boat, for example. Releasing the fishing line may allow the weights to lower, which may open the loops and release the crab without the user needing to touch the trap near the crab, which may reduce the chance of being pinched by a crab claw.