A low-cost practical acoustic deterrent designed around the needs of fishermen to reduce cetacean bycatch & comply with regulations.
Cetacean entanglement
Entanglement of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoise) in fishing gear remains a significant concern for fishers, marine managers and conservationists worldwide. Bycatch in commercial fisheries is considered the greatest threat to many small cetacean populations globally, with over 600,000 mortalities estimated each year.
Acoustic deterrents
Fishtek Marine brought together engineers, fisheries scientists, gear specialists and fishers to tackle cetacean bycatch. Drawing on this collaborative expertise, we have developed a highly durable, cost-effective and user-friendly pinger, ensuring seamless integration into a wide range of fishing operations. It is no accident the pinger is shaped like a banana – we have engineered the casing to ensure that when the pinger comes over the side it rotates smoothly over the rails.
Its acoustic features are the result of close collaboration with academic institutions and field experts, optimised to effectively deter cetaceans while reducing the risk of habituation.
Intended for application on fixed and drift gillnets where bycatch of small, toothed cetaceans is an issue for species such as harbour porpoises and common dolphins.
every 200m (x2 pingers on any given net)
~4500 hours
ICES Area VII fixed net fishery regulations
Norwegian Vestfjorden Cod gillnet fishery regulations
Chilean Swordfish drift gillnet fishery regulations
Legislation compliance: European legislation: EC 812/2004
Intended for application in river systems on gillnets where bycatch of small, toothed cetaceans is an issue. With advanced acoustics, this model has been developed to lessen localised ensonification given then constricted nature of river systems.
every 60m (x2 pingers on any given net)
~4500 hours
Intended for application in US specific fixed and drift gillnet fisheries where 10kHz pingers are specifically mandated to mitigate the bycatch of small, toothed cetaceans namely harbour porpoises and common dolphins.
every 100m (x2 pingers on any given net)
~4500 hours
US east coast monk and skate net fishery regulations (NMFS Harbour Porpoise Take Reduction Plan
California/Oregon thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet fishery regulations (NMFS Pacific Offshore Cetacean Take Reduction Plan)
Intended primarily for application in fixed and drift gillnet fisheries where high rates of baleen whale entanglement occurs.
every 100m (x2 pingers on any given net)
~350 hours
185mm x 52mm x 42mm | 16mm diameter rope threading hole
For mobile gears, our high-output Anti-Depredation Pinger is typically the most suitable solution, as cetaceans when interacting with these gears often require a stronger acoustic cue to prompt dispersal from the area of operation, thereby reducing the risk of entrapment.
If you are unsure which pinger model is most appropriate for your application, please contact us directly for guidance.
The Banana Pinger’s acoustic output has been precisely designed and optimised to achieve high bycatch mitigation rates. Unique harmonic signatures and randomised ping frequencies help prevent habituation.
Read more evidence here.
The pinger’s outer “skin” is shaped to rotate smoothly through haulers and flakers, ensuring easy integration with gear. A key benefit is its modular design—the pinger capsule can be swapped out for a fresh unit with a charged battery, allowing battery changes to be made in a dry environment without untying from the net.
Weighing just 37g when immersed, the pinger does not interfere with net deployment or fishing operations. They are also fit and forget so there is no need to add and remove them to gear on each trip.
The pinger capsule is made from polycarbonate—the same material used in riot shields—and is encased in a rugged rubber carrier, making it extremely resilient in harsh marine conditions. With a depth rating of 1000m and successful testing to 1400m, the Banana Pinger is built to last.
With a projected lifespan of over five years and low operating costs (approximately €4.50 per kilometre of net per year), the Banana Pinger is the most cost-effective solution of its kind on the market. With 6 months battery life if immersed 100% of the time, there is minimal battery cost.
MODELS DESIGNED TO BE LEGISLATION COMPLIANT
Spare banana
Fish with more than one net? Want to switch pingers between gear with ease to remain compliant? Buy our spare rubber carriers (bananas) and just slot the pinger units across in seconds.
Pinger Maintenance Kit
Maintain your acoustic deterrents by replacing the O-rings every two years or when needed. 5 x O-rings and silicon grease included.
