On-Demand

Our Goal

Protecting Whales, Supporting Livelihoods

Sustainable conservation hinges on solutions that empower communities and protect wildlife. By equipping fishers with more efficient tools, we foster a collaborative environment where practices are developed to benefit both whales and fisheries.

The Threat: Entanglement in Fishing Gear

With only 360 remaining, North Atlantic right whales face extinction largely due to entanglement in fishing gear. This project aims to decrease this risk by promoting the use of on-demand fishing gear, which eliminates the need for tethered buoys and ropes.

Supporting On-Demand Fishing Gear

On-demand fishing gear offers a win-win situation. It removes entanglement risks for whales while maintaining a way for fishers to haul traps and locate them. However, a key challenge remains: knowing where the gear is deployed.

Features for on-demand fishing

EarthRanger, a free platform widely used in conservation, has developed specific features for effectively using on-demand fishing.

Aggregate

Display all gear on one map

View gear from all manufactures while maintaining privacy

Unify

Data in one centralized platform

Locate

Only view gear within a defined radius

Our Core Values

Data Privacy Matters

EarthRanger prioritizes data privacy. Different user access levels will protect the personal information and trade secrets of fishers.

Collaboration is Key

Sustainable conservation requires addressing the needs of both wildlife and people. To ensure success, we're working with fishers, government agencies, and gear manufacturers, including NOAA.

Looking Forward

This grant will track progress toward integrating on-demand fishing gear and implementing the EarthRanger Mobile app among fisheries and regulatory agencies.

‍Together, we can ensure a future where healthy North Atlantic right whale populations coexist with thriving fisheries.