Underwater net monitoring device

A net monitor device, comprising:

• a housing;
• a plurality of tensioning arms, each tensioning arm reversibly extendable through the housing and configured to reversibly secure to a net, each tensioning arm comprising a force sensor configured to generate a tension signal indicative of a tension applied to the corresponding tensioning arm;
• a tensioning mechanism configured concurrently retract the plurality of tensioning arms into the housing;
• an impulse generating device, configured to generate an impulse in the plurality of tensioning arms;
• and
• a transmitter configured to receive the tension signals from the plurality of force sensors, and transmit the tension signals through water.

A method of monitoring a net, comprising:

• generating an impulse in one of a plurality of net monitoring devices secured to a net;
• receiving, responsive to the generating, in the remaining plurality of net monitoring devices secured to the net, a plurality of tension signals from a plurality of force sensors in each net monitoring device;
• transmitting the plurality of tension signals through water;
• receiving the plurality of tension signals through the water;
• and
• determining, based on the received plurality of tension signals, a presence of a defect in the net.