In my region, there's a lot of talk about ropeless traps, and it seems to be working well. Experiments have been going on for three years. In other regions, like Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy, they could be a bit harder to use because of the currents.
The technology that's supposed to be in place for 2023 is weak ropes, meaning low-density ropes. Unfortunately, the tests haven't been conclusive.
If we want to keep whales safe and have less rope in the water, should we wait for more conclusive test results before going ahead with a technology that could be more harmful, both to whales and to the crab and lobster markets?