Testing WaTS - A Step Towards Safer Seas

Testing WaTS

This month, we put our Whale and Trap Saviour (WaTS) through extensive underwater trials in a dive pool. The testing took place over multiple evenings, giving us the chance to refine deployment methods, observe buoyancy and capture valuable footage. It was a fun and productive process, with plenty of positives, and a few lessons learned that we’re already working to improve.

What is WaTS?

The Whale and Trap Saviour (WaTS) is an innovative, compact device that protects whales and preserves fishing gear by reducing entanglement risks in fixed-gear fisheries.

Mounted directly to lobster and crab traps, WaTS remains inactive until needed, and works at depths up to 100 fathoms (183m). If a surface buoy is lost or a whale-triggered breakaway occurs, WaTS automatically deploys a backup buoy and retrieval rope. This ensures:

• Whales escape safely without becoming entangled.

• Fishers retain their gear and avoid costly losses.

• Conservation and commercial needs are balanced.

This innovation bridges the gap between sustainable fishing and marine conservation.

Why WaTS Matters

Every year, vertical lines from fixed-gear fisheries pose a serious threat to migrating whales. Studies show that up to 40% of whale deaths are caused by entanglement. These incidents not only endanger marine life but also:

• Result in lost traps and wasted resources.

• Trigger costly rescue operations.

• Increase regulatory pressure on the fishing industry.

By providing an affordable, practical solution, WaTS empowers lobster and crab fishers to operate responsibly without sacrificing efficiency or earnings.

The Pool Test

Over several evenings, we carried out a series of controlled trials in a dive pool.

• We tested how WaTS deployed its backup buoy system.

• We observed rope tension, buoy behaviour, and deployment speed.

• We filmed every cycle to study performance in detail.

The controlled pool environment allowed us to replicate real-world conditions while capturing high-quality underwater footage of WaTS in action.

Next Steps – Depth Testing

Following the success of the pool trials, our next stage will be open water testing at depth. Using divers and underwater cameras, we’ll monitor WaTS in real fishing conditions. This will give us critical data on:

• Performance under greater pressure and depth.

• Behaviour in natural currents.

• Long-term reliability of the device.

This stage will push WaTS closer to commercial readiness and ensure it meets both conservation and industry needs.

A Great Day of Innovation

The testing day was not only highly productive but also great fun for our team. We identified strengths, captured stunning underwater footage, and uncovered further areas for refinement.

Every test brings us closer to delivering solutions that:

• Reduce whale entanglements.

• Support sustainable fishing.

• Protect fishers’ livelihoods.

We’re excited to move forward, refine our product and share updates as WaTS continues its journey to the open sea.