The Dilemma of Derelict Gear

Abstract

Every year, millions of pots and traps are lost in crustacean fisheries around the world. Derelict fishing gear has been found to produce several harmful environmental and ecological effects, however socioeconomic consequences have been investigated less frequently. We analyze the economic effects of a substantial derelict pot removal program in the largest estuary of the United States, the Chesapeake Bay. By combining spatially resolved data on derelict pot removals with commercial blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) harvests and effort, we show that removing 34,408 derelict pots led to significant gains in gear efficiency and an additional 13,504 MT in harvest valued at US $21.3 million—a 27% increase above that which would have occurred without removals. Model results are extended to a global analysis where it is seen that US $831 million in landings could be recovered annually by removing less than 10% of the derelict pots and traps from major crustacean fisheries. An unfortunate common pool externality, the degradation of marine environments is detrimental not only to marine organisms and biota, but also to those individuals and communities whose livelihoods and culture depend on profitable and sustainable marine resource use.

Estimates of fishing gear loss rates at a global scale: A literature review and meta‐analysis

“…Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) is a growing issue of concern for sustainable fisheries due to its subsequent effects on target and non-target species, habitats and human users in marine systems. Fisheries impacts from ALDFG include damage to and loss of fishing gear and catch, and hazards to navigation and safety at sea (Gilman, 2015;Macfadyen, Huntington, & Cappell, 2009;Scheld, Bilkovic, & Havens, 2016). These impacts can exacerbate existing pressures on fishers experiencing diminishing economic returns, as fish stocks are depleted and illegal fishing is on the rise (Watson & Tidd, 2018).…”

Drones detect illegal and derelict crab traps in a shallow water estuary

“…Furthermore, a fisheries’ MCS capacity is a main determining factor governing the level of IUU fishing in a fishery and can significantly reduce the presence of ghost fishing (Gilman, ; Edyvane & Penny, ; Toonen & Bush, ). However, despite the known economic benefits to a fishery, by reducing IUU fishing and associated impacts (Scheld et al., ; Cabral et al., ), the adequate amount of fisheries MCS is usually resource intensive, with issues of cost recovery often being a severely limiting factor (Harte, ; Petrossian, ; Costello et al., ).…”

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

“…Attraction towards derelict pots and away from actively fished pots can reduce harvests of target species in a pot fishery, whether or not the target species enter derelict pots ( Fig. 1; Scheld et al 2016).…”

“…However, limited research has focused on the instantaneous effect on harvest resulting from competition between derelict and actively fished pots. Recent analysis evaluating the Virginia Marine Debris Location and Removal Program and a smaller targeted removal effort the following two winters (2012-2013 and 2013-2014) in Virginia found removal of 34,408 derelict pots increased harvest by 30 million pounds over the course of the programs (Scheld et al 2016). Derelict pots may compete with nearby actively fished pots by attracting blue crabs away from pots that fishers actively harvest and bait, whether for structure, shelter (Everett and Ruiz 1993), or foraging for food.…”