Examining derelict pot impacts on harvest in a commercial blue crab Callinectes sapidus fishery

Abstract

Pot fisheries occur worldwide with a significant proportion of the gear becoming derelict. Derelict pots induce detrimental ecological and economic impacts, and more recently were found to reduce blue crab harvests in the Chesapeake Bay commercial fishery. We simulated the presence of derelict pots near actively fished pots in seasonal field experiments to quantify the effect derelict pots have on blue crab harvest. Derelict pots reduced harvests by 30% during the summer, but not during the fall. Female blue crab capture rates were consistently lower when derelict pots were present; while capture rates of the less abundant males were not negatively affected by derelict pots. Variable responses to derelict pots may be due to seasonal differences in female and male blue crab behavior and movements. The costly effect that derelict pots have on harvest should be investigated in other pot fisheries to recognize the magnitude and mechanisms behind these impacts.

Plastic gear loss estimates from remote observation of industrial fishing activity

“…Because of the expansion of fishing effort in the last decade and the transition to synthetic and more durable materials for fishing gear, the quantity, distribution and adverse effects of ALDFG have likely increased (Derraik, 2002; Gilman, 2015). Designed to capture marine organisms, ALDFG can retain ghost fishing efficiency for both target and incidental catch for decades (Al‐Masroori et al., 2004; DelBene et al., 2019; Macfadyen et al., 2009; Scheld et al., 2016; Wilcox et al., 2016). Derelict gear can harm marine habitats, including seagrass beds, mangroves and coral reefs (Arthur et al., 2014; Consoli et al., 2019; NOAA, 2016; Valderrama Ballesteros et al., 2018).…”

“…. Designed to capture marine organisms, ALDFG can retain ghost fishing efficiency for both target and incidental catch for decades (Al-Masroori et al, 2004;DelBene et al, 2019;Macfadyen et al, 2009;Scheld et al, 2016;Wilcox et al, 2016). Derelict gear can harm marine habitats, including seagrass beds, mangroves and coral reefs (Arthur et al, 2014;Consoli et al, 2019;NOAA, 2016;Valderrama Ballesteros et al, 2018).…”

The development of a derelict crab trap removal incentive program for commercial shrimpers

“…Abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) also known as ghost gear or derelict fishing gear is an issue worldwide (Macfadyen et al 2009). Derelict crab traps are one of the most impactful types of derelict fishing gear both ecologically and economically, worldwide and in the north-central Gulf of Mexico (Anderson and Alford, 2014;Arthur et al, 2014;DelBene et al, 2019;Rodolfich et al, 2022). Unchecked traps actively continue to capture target and non-target marine life through feedback loops, a process termed "ghost fishing" (Guillory et al 2001).…”