System and method of automatic release of underwater equipment

A submersible catching device for catching fish, seafood or crustaceans, the device comprising: a structure configured to receive a catch; a door (200) moveable between a closed configuration in which the door (200) is secured to the structure such that the catch cannot escape and an open configuration in which the catch can escape; a release mechanism (100, 100A) comprising a pressure sensitive device (140) or a water sensor (140A), a locking mechanism (130, 130A) and a timer circuit; where the timer circuit comprises an electronic timer configured to start counting down from a pre-set time when the pressure sensitive device (140) is exposed to a pre-determined external pressure or the water sensor (141A) detects water; and the locking mechanism (130, 130A) is configured to be in operative engagement with the door (200) when the door(200) is in the closed configuration, and to release the door (200) from the closed configuration when the electronic timer times-out; such that, in use, when the catching device reaches a pre-determined depth or when the catching device is submerged in water, the catch is automatically released from within the device when the electronic timer times out.