Fish Trap Extension Kit for Lionfish Control

R3 Digital Sciences (R3-DS) will develop and commercialize the Fish Trap Extension Kit (FTEK), an electromechanical device that will extend the capabilities of existing fish traps, and convert them from indiscriminate traps into “smart traps” capable of targeting specific fish types. To eliminate lionfish bycatch, the FTEK will enable existing commercial spinny lobster traps to autonomously detect, discriminate, and capture lionfish, while preventing other animals from entering the trap. In addition, the FTEK will detect anomalous trap conditions and be able to render traps inert by permanently closing the trap entrance. This will eliminate the ghost fishing problems associated with conventional fish traps.