Parachute Sea Anchors and Automated Jigging
October Squid Research Trip
November 2, 2026
As part of CFF's ongoing squid research, our team has been testing equipment used to support automated squid jigging during offshore fishing operations.
One important component is the parachute sea anchor, which is deployed in the water to reduce vessel drift and improve stability. The sea anchor can reduce drift by as much as ten times, allowing a vessel in a two-knot current to drift at approximately 0.2 knots.
The sea anchor also helps orient the vessel into the waves, preventing jigging lines from moving underneath the boat and chafing. By stabilizing the vessel, it helps keep the lines more vertical, an important consideration for effective automated jigging.
Working alongside the sea anchor is a stern-mounted sail known as a spanker, which acts as a wind rudder to help maintain vessel orientation.
The benefits of reducing drift extend beyond active jigging. Parachute sea anchors can help reduce fuel consumption by helping fishing vessels remain on the fishing grounds while they are inactive or crews are sleeping.
The research team has been trialing a 27-foot parachute sea anchor aboard three chartered vessels. A larger, 100-foot sea anchor will be needed for commercial fishing operations.
In addition to supporting fishing, parachute sea anchors are important safety equipment during offshore storms. They are even used to help vessels ride out hurricanes and typhoons.
Our latest mini-documentary features footage of the parachute sea anchor being deployed during the October research trip and explains the role of this equipment in automated squid jigging.