Elasmobranch-Repelling Magnets and Methods of Use

Abstract

Devices and methods are disclosed for repelling elasmobranchs with high-pull-force magnets, including devices and methods for reducing by-catch in commercial fisheries and protecting humans from attacks by elasmobranchs.

1 . An apparatus for repelling an elasmobranch comprising a high-pull-force magnet. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the high-pull-force magnet is a permanent magnet. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the permanent magnet is a neodymium-iron-boride magnet. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the neodymium-iron-boride magnet is coated with nickel. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the high-pull-force magnet has a shape of a cylinder, a cone, a circle, a cube, a disk, a bar, a sphere, a plate, a rod, a ring, a tube, a stick, a block, or a tapered cone. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the high-pull-force magnet comprises a hollow portion. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of high-pull-force magnets are arranged together in a ring. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the high-pull-force magnet is capable of spinning. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the high-pull-force magnet has a pull force of greater than about 50 pounds. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the high-pull-force magnet has a pull force of greater than about 100 pounds. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the high-pull-force magnet has a pull force of greater than about 200 pounds. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the high-pull-force magnet has a nominal strength of greater than about 5000 gauss alone or in combination with one or more other magnets. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the high-pull-force magnet has a nominal strength of greater than about 10,000 gauss alone or in combination with one or more other magnets. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the high-pull-force magnet has a nominal strength of greater than about 20,000 gauss alone or in combination with one or more other magnets. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the high-pull-force magnet has greater than about 5 gauss of magnetic strength at a distance of about 0.01 m to about 1.0 m. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the high-pull-force magnet has up to about 14,000 gauss of magnetic strength at a distance of about 0.01 m to about 0.5 m. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the high-pull-force magnet has up to about 320 gauss of magnetic strength at a distance of about 0.1 m to about 0.4 m. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a buoy, a barge, a net, fishing tackle or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus comprising a high-pull-force magnet and a fish hook. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising fishing tackle. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20  wherein the fishing tackle is selected from the group consisting of a longline, a mainline, a gangion, a lead, a weight, a buoy, a net, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 19  wherein the high-pull-force magnet has a shape of a cylinder, a cone, a circle, a cube, a disk, a bar, a sphere, a plate, a rod, a ring, a tube, a stick, a block or a tapered cone and is located in close proximity to the fish hook. 
     
     
         23 . A longline comprising a high-pull-force magnet. 
     
     
         24 . A surfboard comprising a high-pull-force magnet. 
     
     
         25 . The surfboard of  claim 24  wherein the high-pull-force magnet is integrated into the surfboard. 
     
     
         26 . The surfboard of  claim 24  wherein the high-pull-force magnet is connected to the surfboard such that it trails behind the surfboard. 
     
     
         27 . A buoy comprising a high-pull-force magnet. 
     
     
         28 . A swim suit comprising a high-pull-force magnet. 
     
     
         29 . A bracelet comprising a high-pull-force magnet. 
     
     
         30 . Dive equipment comprising a high-pull-force magnet. 
     
     
         31 . A method of using a magnetic field to repel an elasmobranch comprising attaching a high-pull-force magnet to fishing tackle. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31  wherein the fishing tackle is selected from the group consisting of a hook, a longline, a mainline, a gangion, a lead, a weight, a buoy, a net or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         33 . A method of using a magnetic field to repel an elasmobranch comprising attaching a high-pull-force magnet to a human body or to clothing or accessory associated with a human body. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33  wherein the high-pull-force magnet is a bracelet attached to a human ankle or wrist.