San Francisco - Fisherman's Pier in San Francisco (many are called tourist destinations, with a small group of fishing boats that might otherwise be catching up Crab This time of year.

However, migration is on the verge of extinction Humpback whale Now swimming in the same waters outside the Golden Avenue Strait, where crabs are, a rope that fishermen traditionally used to pull up crab cages has entangled too many humphead camels.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the ropes have been at least crippled or killed by them since 2007.

Fisherman Brand Little is able to continuously lift the catch from the seabed because he uses a high-tech system that involves a remotely controlled pop-up balloon-like device that marks the journey of the crab cage to the ocean surface. When others are unable to use the experimental device, the state has little permission to fish, which limits the required rope.

The U.S. military has developed the technology to deploy weapons and sensors from the bottom of the sea. But for fishermen, spending another $50 cage in an industry that was already cash shortage is a difficult sale.

"What you need to remember about fishermen is that these guys lose their losses after losing them," Little told CBS News. "So, there's almost no chance."

Pop-up gear has critics among some fishermen who say they shouldn't use it. This criticism stems from tradition and finance. Many fishermen inherited their trade and did not want to change or the government interfered in their fishing habits. Financially speaking, using new devices will cost them money, and they claim their profits are already too thin.

"I'm one of the biggest critics," Little said. "So, I set out to prove that it doesn't work. I had to eat a little crow because after doing that, I said, wait a moment, you know, that might work."

For about three years, while using pop-up technology, Little retrieved his capture at midnight under the Golden Gate Bridge. He said he was not injured while using it.

The technology is a California Department of Fish and Wildlife sponsored experiment, which is tasked with adjusting the crab fishing season. It does this through a variety of mechanisms, including the need for permission and verification, setting fishing seasons, limiting the number of crabs that can be adopted, and implementing trap restrictions to protect whales and other marine life.

"This year, we have shortened (seasons) given the increased risk of migrating whales returning to the coast," CDFW Director Chuck Bonham told CBS News.

Traditionally, the commercial Dungeness Crab season begins in November and runs throughout May. But Bonham Shorten the season By two months this year, it will start to postpone it until January.

However, due to the use of experimental devices, it is rarely affected. He can continue fishing and hope his $25,000 investment will pay off by catching more crabs without getting hurt.

"Whales eat food, little fish are called Quiquel, those Krishler move more offshore, whales follow them, right where our fishing men and women are put on," Bonham said. "This means that every year we are entangled with whales."