California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot Project

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California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot
Project

• Kirsten Gilardi
• SeaDoc Society
• Wildlife Health Center
• UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

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Derelict fishing gearRecreational or
commercial fishing gear that is lost or
abandoned in the marine environment
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Why is derelict fishing gear a problem?

• 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

Jerry Allen, www.uwshooter.com
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Model programs in US Hawaii
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Model programs in USWashington State

• Started in 2002
• Puget Sound and NW Straits
• gt1000 nets, pots and traps removed to date

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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

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California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot
Project, July 2005 - June 2006SeaDoc Society
State Coastal Conservancy

• 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

Photo courtesy of Cordell Bank NMS
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Gear Location

• 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

 
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Gear Removal

• 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

 
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Data Collection

• Gear type
• Legal/illegal
• Biological impacts
• Owner identification
• Status (removed, disabled)

 
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Gear Disposal

• Repatriate gear identifiable to owner
• Recycle if possible
• Dispose at landfills  

 
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Thank you!
kvgilardi_at_ucdavis.edu [phone] www.seadocs
ociety.org