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Data on Derelict Fishing Gear
Currently the extent of the derelict fishing gear in
the sanctuary is not well documented. Through pilot projects like the
project began in 2005 focusing on the Cape Flattery area, OCNMS is
beginning to learn the extent of the problem and working to adapt
techniques used in quieter Puget Sound waters to the rugged conditions
on the outer coast.
Surveys between 2005 and 2007 located and removed
three gill nets, one purse seine net, and two crab pots. Two of the
nets were characterized as older and were degraded. The two newer nets
contained a total of 52 animals, 35 of which were dead. The following
animals were identified.
California sea lion -- 1 dead
Harbor porpoise -- 1 dead
Harbor seal -- 6 dead
Cormorant -- 3 dead
Common loon -- 5 dead
Cabezon -- 8 dead, 1 live
Kelp crab -- 3 dead, 15 live
Red rock crab -- 8 dead, 1 live
Derelict fishing gear removal projects
sponsored by the Northwest Straits Commission in other
marine waters of Washington State have revealed startling
information:
- A 2002 survey of south of Port Townsend, including the Hood Canal,
the Central Sound, the Whidbey basin, and South Puget Sound produced an
estimate of 117,000 derelict fishing gear items weighing nearly 1,200
metric tons.
- Gillnet fishermen report that they lose 10-20% of their fishing gear
in an average year. Washington fishermen are estimated to have lost an
estimated 150-300 gillnets (each 1,800 ft. long by 100 ft. deep) per
year over a thirty year period.
- Over 900 derelict crab pots were observed with side-scan sonar
during 5 days of surveying in the northern Puget Sound.
- Derelict crab pots were found to be actively fishing when pulled
from the bottom seven months after first being located.
- Gillnets can persist in the environment for over 20 years.
- One net found in shallow water on the east side of Lummi Island
contained 159 salmon carcasses, and at least 12 of these were identified
as Chinook Salmon.
- Dead animals found in derelict nets represent only recent impacts
because dead organisms are continually scavenged from the nets.
- Derelict crab pots can block up to 50% of the eelgrass growth in their footprint.
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