Pacific Ropeworks helps fishermen save whales and money

Russ Mullins brought his whale rope to the 2025 PME in Seattle. Mullins launched Pacific Rope Works in 2025 as regulations began to kick in requiring Dungeness crab fishermen to use colored rope specific to their particular state. Photo courtesy of Paul M.

In an effort to help understand where whales are getting entangled, the Pacific States — California, Oregon, and Washington — began implementing colored markings on Dungeness crab pot buoy lines in 2020, with state-specific requirements. California fishermen must use purple and black line on traps beginning in the 2025–26 season. Oregon will require yellow and black rope beginning Dec. 1, 2026, and Washington is phasing in red and black rope between 2025 and 2028.

With tariffs on imported rope and color confusion among foreign producers, Russ Mullins of Bellingham, Wash., saw an opportunity. He launched a new company, Pacific Ropeworks, to meet the needs of West Coast fishermen.

Go to this link to read the full article published by the National Fisherman https://www.nationalfisherman.com/pacific-ropeworks-helps-fishermen-save-whales-and-money