Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Project
The Chesapeake Bay is continually polluted with a wide variety of marine debris including derelict crab traps. Derelict (lost or abandoned) blue crab traps (pots) can continue to capture and kill animals for several years depending upon salinity and wave climate. Removal of marine debris, particularly derelict pots, can result in a natural resource and economic benefit if conducted in a structured and environmentally sensitive manner.
In April 2008, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission closed winter crab dredge fishery. Out-of work commercial fisherman were invited to participate in the Marine Debris Removal Program. This program continued at different levels for six years from December 1st through March 15th. In 2009, an additional 8 watermen were chosen by lottery to specifically target shallow water areas.
The US Dept. of Commerce/NOAA funding for the program ended after the winter of 2011. A smaller effort, with four participants targeting 'hotspots' of pot loss, was funded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Fishing for Energy Program for the winter of 2012 and 2013.
Marine Debris Removal Counter
|
Season |
2008-09 |
2009-10 |
2010-11 |
2011-12 |
2012-13 |
2013-14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Days Worked | 48 | 49 | 49 | 24 | 30 | 32 |
| Number of Watermen | 58 | 65 | 70 | 70 | 4 | 7 |
| Bycatch Removed | ||||||
Bycatch(click to see a detailed list of animals) |
4790 | 9827 | 12850 | 4137 | 216 | 1134 |
| Other Debris Removed | ||||||
| Crab Pots | 7809 | 8655 | 8395 | 3438 | 637 | 1107 |
| Peeler Pots | 820 | 719 | 1435 | 672 | 62 | 121 |
| Eel Pots | 109 | 113 | 140 | 105 | 27 | 33 |
| Nets | 62 | 38 | 52 | 9 | 0 | 1 |
| Other Debris | 246 | 535 | 532 | 161 | 7 | 17 |
| Boats (not removed) | 5 | 8 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Debris Removed | 9046 | 10060 | 10554 | 4385 | 733 | 1279 |