Delayed release device with expendable linkage for temporarily storing and restraining the buoy line and buoys of a shellfish or fish trap or the like, beneath the sea surface for a predetermined time interval

Abstract

An apparatus that secures the buoy line and buoy to the top of the shellfish trap in an orderly manner until a galvanic timed release (GTR) coupling parts and releases the buoy to the sea surface. The GTR is a highly corrosive anode link which breaks after a predetermined period of immersion in seawater. After the GTR link breaks, the apparatus automatically releases the buoy. The unrestrained buoy rises to the surface so that the trap may be recovered. Until this time, marine mammals are protected from entanglement in the vertical buoy line. It is important that the buoy and, perhaps more importantly, the line associated with it, are packaged in a way to prevent fouling of the buoy lines. By design, the apparatus prevents the fouling of the buoy line that would result in the possible loss of the entire gear set.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.