Steep costs?

A federal program testing the viability of “fishing on demand” technology – also known as ropeless buoys – is seeing growing interest and success off the waters of Massachusetts.

But even though the program is experimental, free, and voluntary – and allows fishermen to trap in seasonally closed waters and keep what they catch – many of the state’s lobstermen don’t like it. 

On-demand (ropeless) lobster pot gear on the deck of a commercial fishing vessel. NEFSC photo.