Elasmobranch-repelling electropositive metals and methods of use

Abstract

Devices and methods are disclosed for repelling elasmobranchs with electropositive metals, including apparatuses and methods for reducing by-catch in commercial fisheries and protecting humans from attacks by elasmobranchs.

1 . An apparatus for repelling an elasmobranch comprising an electropositive metal.  
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said electropositive metal is selected from the group consisting of Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Samarium, Europium, Gadolinium, Terbium, Dysprosium, Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Ytterbium, Lutetium, Yttrium, Scandium, Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium, Lithium, Cerium Mischmetal, Neodymium-Praseodymium Mischmetal, Ferrocerium, Lanthanum Mischmetal, separately or in combination.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the electropositive metal 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.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the electropositive metal comprises a hollow portion.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of electropositive metals are arranged together in a ring.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the electropositive metal is capable of spinning.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the electropositive metal has a revised Pauling electronegativity less than 1.32.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the electropositive metal has a cathode half-cell standard electrode potential greater than 2.00 volts in aqueous solution.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus comprising an electropositive metal and a fish hook.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  further comprising fishing tackle.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  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.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the electropositive metal 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.  
     
     
         13 . A longline comprising an electropositive metal.  
     
     
         14 . A surfboard comprising an electropositive metal.  
     
     
         15 . A buoy comprising an electropositive metal.  
     
     
         16 . A swim suit comprising an electropositive metal.  
     
     
         17 . A bracelet comprising an electropositive metal.  
     
     
         18 . Dive equipment comprising an electropositive metal.  
     
     
         19 . A method of using an electromotive force to repel an elasmobranch comprising attaching an electropositive metal to fishing tackle.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  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.  
     
     
         21 . A method of using an electromotive force to repel an elasmobranch comprising attaching an electropositive metal to a human body or to clothing or accessory associated with a human body.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the electropositive metal is a bracelet attached to a human ankle or wrist.