Approved Weak Rope for Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan

Requirements for the use of buoy line with a maximum breaking strength of 1,700 lbs through the use of manufactured weak rope (below) or weak inserts are outlined in the 2021 modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. These requirements apply to the Northeast Lobster/Jonah crab trap/pot fishery only. Requirements for all other areas, other trap/pot fisheries, and gillnet fisheries remain the same. 

The modifications remove the requirement for weak link at buoys and other surface system flotation devices, though they are not prohibited, and adds requirements for weak rope or insertions within the buoy line. 

Fishermen are also encouraged to maintain their buoy lines to be as knot-free as possible, using the least number of knots necessary given the length of the buoy line. Splices are considered to be less of an entanglement threat and are preferable to knots.

Average breaking strengths were determined through 10 consecutive tests on a calibrated rope-breaking machine at the NEFSC lab in 2021. To be approved, the average breaking strength must be within 10 percent of 1,700 lbs. These tests are the basis for NOAA Fisheries approval of this rope. 

Approved Fully Formed Weak Rope - Braided Ropes

The approved braided ropes can be used as full weak rope (but not inserts) connected to your regular line using a knot at the depth required for your fishing area (the depth of your lowest required weak insertion or the proportion of your rope required to be weak).

Currently the fully formed weak ropes approved for use are:

Image	Rope Details
Image	White with black tracer (1/2” diameter) Manufactured by Neocorp Average Breaking Strength: 1870 lbs Available at Ketcham Supply in New Bedford, MA Approved March 2023 Note: Must be attached to other rope with a double sheet bend to allow for clean breaks
Image	Neocorp 3/8" polyester rope (1021) (here pictured with gray tracer) Manufactured by Neocorp Average Breaking Strength: 1,530 lbs Available at Brooks Trap Mill (ME/RI) Approved September 2021
Image	Seaway 5/16" #10 Braid  Manufactured by Neocorp Average Breaking Strength: 1,229 lbs Available at Brooks Trap Mill (ME/RI) Approved November 2021

Image

Approved Fully Formed Weak Rope - 3-Strand Ropes

These ropes can be used as either weak inserts (must be at least 3 feet in length) or fully weak toppers at the lengths required for your fishing area.

Image	Details
Image	Red (5/16” diameter) Manufactured by Rocky Mount Cordage Company Average Breaking Strength: 1,438 lbs Available at Ketcham Supply in New Bedford, MA Approved September 2021
Image	Candy Cane (3/8” diameter) v01/22 (available in state colors, shown here in red) Manufactured by Rocky Mount Cordage Company Average Breaking Strength: 1,752 lbs Available at Ketcham Supply in New Bedford, MA Approved February 2022
Image	Candy Cane (3/8” diameter) Manufactured by Rocky Mount Cordage Company Average Breaking Strength: 1,568 lbs Available at Ketcham Supply in New Bedford, MA Approved September 2021
Image	Everson 3/8 3-Strand  Manufactured by Everson Average Breaking Strength: 1,868 lbs State-colored tracers marked "whale-safe" can be woven through Will be produced in contrasting colors Approved April 2022
Image	Everson Whale Safe Rope 3/8 inch medium lay Fuschia tracer for Massachusetts Available September 2022
Image	Everson Whale Safe Rope 3/8 inch medium lay Purple tracer for Maine Available September 2022

Contacts

• John Higgins, Northeast Fisheries Liaison: (207) 610-3282, john.higgins@noaa.gov
• Rob Martin, Northeast Gear Specialist: (617) 710-6322, robert.martin@noaa.gov