California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot Project Kirsten Gilardi SeaDoc Society Wildlife...
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Transcript of California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot Project Kirsten Gilardi SeaDoc Society Wildlife...
California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot Project
Kirsten Gilardi
SeaDoc Society
Wildlife Health Center
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Derelict fishing gear:
Recreational or commercial fishing gear that is lost or abandoned in the marine environment
• Persists in the marine environment
• Entangles divers and swimmers
• Traps and wounds or kills invertebrates, fish, birds, mammals
• Degrades marine ecosystems and sensitive habitats
• Damages propellers and rudders, snags other fishing gear
• Endangers boat crews and passengers
Why is derelict fishing gear a problem?
Jerry Allen, www.uwshooter.com
Model programs in US: Hawaii
Model programs in US:Washington State
• Started in 2002
• Puget Sound and NW Straits
• >1000 nets, pots and traps removed to date
Derelict fishing gear in California:
• Every year DFG fields complaints from crab fishermen that derelict pots are affecting their ability to fish
- Bob Farrell, Dept. fo Fish and Game
• Underwater surveying equipment frequently gets snagged on derelict gear, especially in Southern California.
- Ed Saade, Fugro Pelagros, Inc.
• Wildlife rehabilitators treat hundreds of marine birds and mammals with derelict-gear related injuries year-round.
- Marty Haulena, Marine Mammal Center ; Melanie Piazza, Wildlife Care
• Derelict gear is seen every time Cordell Bank is surveyed- Dan Howard, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
• Permits/MOUs• Form technical
advisory committee• Write and test SOPs• Create website• Survey for gear, build
database• Identify divers and
vessels for removal operations, train crew
• Remove gear
California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot Project, July 2005 - June 2006:
SeaDoc Society + State Coastal Conservancy
Photo courtesy of Cordell Bank NMS
Diver surveys
Sidescan sonar
Reports from individuals (e.g. fishermen, divers, boat operators): online, hotline
Sidescan or divers to verify location, as necessary
Prioritize gear for removal
Gear Location
• Excel files with GPS-referenced location data linked to Nobeltec™ navigation software
• Divers (free, SCUBA, surface-supplied air) +/-two-way radio
• On-board hydraulic winch, float bags, cutting tools
Gear Removal
• Gear type• Legal/illegal• Biological impacts• Owner identification• Status (removed,
disabled)
Data Collection
• Repatriate gear identifiable to owner
• Recycle if possible
• Dispose at landfills
Gear Disposal