Committed

to research and development of technologies that reduce harmful interactions between humans
and marine life

WHAT WE DO

Sea Mammal Education Learning Technology Society (SMELTS) is a solution-based organization that designs and builds tools and technologies to reduce the negative impact of human activitiy on marine life. SMELTS has developed a patented Line-Free/Ropeless Lift Bag fishing technology for bottom set fisheries that allows fishers to fish and whales to live without the danger of entanglement.

Research

We look at many different types of technologies that can be used to create the most durable, and easy-to-use gear

Development

We prototype, test and build working devices to be taken to sea for full scale testing and fishing

Set and Haul

We work with fishermen to help them use our gear and we gather input from industry and regulators to create an easy-to-use device

Entangled

An award-winning, feature-length film about how climate change has accelerated a collision between one of the world’s most endangered species, North America’s most valuable fishery, and a federal agency mandated to protect both. The film, by the makers of Lobster War and Sacred Cod, won a Jackson Wild award, known as the Oscars of nature films. It also won Best Feature Film at the International Wildlife Film Festival, Best Conservation Film at the International Ocean Film Festival, and the John de Graaf Environmental Filmmaking Award at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival.

Entangled.com

Our

Mission

We are committed to researching and developing new technologies for rescue and prevention of harmful human interaction on marine life. We strive to educate communities on how to be stewards of the environment by focusing on the ocean and its global importance to life on Earth.

Who We Are

SMELTS is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit with locations in Bellingham, Washington and Plymouth, Massachusetts.

We create Marine Mammal Interaction prevention technologies. Our focus is on eliminating entanglements in active fishing gear of large whales, pinnipeds, endangered sea turtles and basking sharks.

We are also invested in the reduction of bycatch from abandoned, lost, derelict and active fishing gear. We strive to educate our community on human interaction with sensitive groups of at-risk species.

Our Team

Captain Richard Riels

Founder, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR and VP OF
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, LEAD ENGINEER

Ann Marie Riels

PRESIDENT
Co-Founder

Kevin Rand

DIRECTOR OF EAST COAST OPERATIONS

Art Balzotti

Art director

Stephanie Norman

BOARD MEMBER

Cindy Elliser