Ashored develops rope-on-command fishing gear that utilizes Modular Ocean Based Instruments (MOBIs) to prevent whale entanglement and reduce ocean pollution by keeping fishing lines on the ocean floor until retrieval. This technology addresses the annual death of 140,000 marine animals due to entanglement in traditional fixed-gear fishing methods, promoting sustainable fishing practices for future generations.
Funding
$1.4M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional fixed-gear fishing methods, which use ropes tethered to surface buoys, result in high rates of entanglement for marine animals, particularly whales. Lost or abandoned fishing gear also contributes significantly to ocean pollution.
Solution
Ashored provides a "rope-on-command" fishing system that utilizes Modular Ocean Based Instruments (MOBIs) to store fishing lines on the ocean floor until retrieval. The MOBIs are activated via acoustic release or a backup timer, allowing fishermen to trigger the ascent of the gear when they are ready to retrieve it. This approach reduces the risk of whale entanglement and minimizes the impact of lost gear on the marine environment. The company also offers ATLAS, a software suite that tracks the location, inventory, and ownership of fishing gear.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes fishermen and fishing industry stakeholders seeking to reduce marine animal entanglements and minimize ocean pollution, as well as regulatory bodies promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Features
- MOBIs coil and contain fishing lines on the ocean floor, preventing entanglement.
- Acoustic release mechanism allows for on-demand retrieval of fishing gear.
- Passive backup timer ensures gear can be retrieved even if the acoustic release fails.
- ATLAS software tracks location, inventory, connection, and ownership of fishing gear.
- Super Tags, Smart Tags, and sensor arrays collect data for the ATLAS system.
- Blue Glove Certified design ensures ease of use with standard fishing gloves.
- System works with existing lobster/crab traps/trawl lines.