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.
SMELTS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with operations in Sandwich, Massachusetts and Bellingham, Washington. We develop technologies focused on preventing harmful interactions between marine life and human activity, with an emphasis on reducing entanglements in active fishing gear affecting large whales, pinnipeds, endangered sea turtles, and basking sharks.
In addition to entanglement prevention, we address broader challenges including bycatch and the impacts of abandoned, lost, and active fishing gear. Through engineering, field testing, and collaboration, we work to reduce risk while supporting practical solutions for fisheries and marine operations.
SMELTS designs, builds, and tests marine technologies that support safer and more controlled interaction between fisheries and the ocean environment. Our work includes the development of Lift-Raft and Science-Raft platforms, acoustic integration systems, and vessel-based testing through our research vessel, Ocean Researcher. These systems are developed through hands-on testing and continuous iteration, with a focus on reliability, serviceability, and real-world performance.
At the core of our work is a commitment to advancing technologies that prevent harmful interaction while maintaining the viability of working fisheries. Each system is developed with both operational practicality and long-term environmental impact in mind.
Our approach is grounded in field-based development. Systems are designed, tested, and refined through direct use in marine environments, allowing feedback from real conditions to guide each iteration. We collaborate with fishermen, researchers, manufacturers, and technology partners to ensure that solutions are both effective and practical. This process allows SMELTS to move from concept to deployment with a clear understanding of performance, limitations, and long-term use.
1003 Iowa Heights Road
Sedro Woolley, WA 98284
360-303-9388
info@smelts.org