Elasmobranch-Repelling Magnets and Methods of Use

Abstract

Devices and methods are disclosed for repelling elasmobranchs with high-pull-force magnets, including devices and methods for reducing by-catch in commercial fisheries and protecting humans from attacks by elasmobranchs.

Description

[0001]This invention relates generally to high-pull-force magnets for repelling elasmobranchs and methods of using high-pull-force magnets to repel elasmobranchs.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Elasmobranchs represent a significant problem in the commercial fishing industry. Elasmobranchs are often inadvertently caught on fishing hooks and tackle directed at other more commercially valuable kinds of fish. This inadvertent catching of elasmobranchs (or other non-valued fish) is called “by-catch.” As many as 100 million elasmobranchs are killed each year as by-catch. This loss of life has resulted in a real threat to several shark species. Currently, as many as 80 species of shark are considered threatened with extinction.[0003]Further, when elasmobranchs are caught as by-catch, fishing operations receive no return on their investment since the shark is caught on a hook that might have otherwise brought in a marketable fish. Additionally, the fishing tackle on which a shark is caught...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for repelling elasmobranchs is provided comprising a high-pull-force magnet. Preferably, the high-pull-force magnet is a permanent magnet. More preferably, the high-pull-force magnet is a neodymium-iron-boride magnet. According to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the high-pull-force magnet may have a nickel coating to protect the magnet from corrosion. High-pull-force magnets in accordance with the present invention may have a shape of a cylinder, a cone, a circle, a cube, a disk, a bar, a sphere, a plate, a rod, a ring, a tube, a stick, a block or other shape. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a high-pull-force magnet may have a hollow portion. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a plurality of high-pull-force magnets may be arranged together in a ring. In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is provided with a high-pull-force magnet that is capable of spinning.

Problems solved by technology

Elasmobranchs represent a significant problem in the commercial fishing industry.

Elasmobranchs are often inadvertently caught on fishing hooks and tackle directed at other more commercially valuable kinds of fish.

This loss of life has resulted in a real threat to several shark species.

Further, when elasmobranchs are caught as by-catch, fishing operations receive no return on their investment since the shark is caught on a hook that might have otherwise brought in a marketable fish.

Additionally, the fishing tackle on which a shark is caught often must be cut loose for the safety of those working on the fishing vessel causing a loss of both equipment and time.

Longlining is a commercial fishing method that suffers significant losses from shark by-catch.

The longline hooks, however, are not selective and elasmobranchs are sometimes caught in greater numbers than the intended catch.

The result is great loss of life in elasmobranchs and significant financial losses in the longline industry.

Elasmobranchs cause additional losses in the longline fishing industry by scavenging marketable fish caught on longlines before the fish may be retrieved for processing.

Elasmobranchs also represent a problem in the commercial trawling industry.

Elasmobranchs cause significant losses for trawlers because they scavenge fish caught in trawl nets before they are retrieved for processing.

As such, valuable fish are often lost to shark predation.

Also, sharks often tear holes in the nets, resulting in partial or complete loss of catch and significant repair costs.

Nevertheless, no commercially effective repellent has yet to be made available for reducing shark by-catch in the commercial fishing industry or for reducing loss of valuable fish or fishing tackle to shark predation.

Further, Applicant is unaware of any consideration in the art of the use of magnets to repel elasmobranchs to limit by-catch and other losses from elasmobranchs.

No effective repellent has yet to be marketed for limiting the risk of shark attacks faced by humans exposed to elasmobranchs.

None of these procedures proved satisfactory in preventing shark attacks.

As such, the long felt need for an effective repellent has not been satisfied.

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