Methods to locate derelict fishing gear in marine waters: a guidance document.

Abstract

This document was created for the Catalyze and Replicate Solutions Working Group of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI). The purpose of the document is to assist prospective solutions project managers by providing a general overview of methods and techniques used globally to locate abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in marine habitats. The document describes a number of methods used; provides general techniques, benefits and limitations of the methods; and provides contact information of individuals and entities experienced in the methods. Locating ALDFG is undertaken for two main reasons: to answer research questions related to the fate and transport of lost fishing gear and to remove lost fishing gear from marine waters, thus eliminating its harmful impacts to species and habitats. This document focuses on location methods best used if eventual removal of ALDFG is desired. Methods used to model ALDFG fate and transport at large geographic scales or to infer the locations of ALDFG based on ocean circulation, etc. are not explained here. To begin exploring these methods, we recommend accessing the 2012 special issue of the Marine Pollution Bulletin Volume 65, which focuses on at-sea detection of the ALDFG in the North Pacific Ocean. If location of gear is undertaken to remove gear, project managers must determine whether location of lost gear will be conducted prior to launching gear removal operations or whether gear location and removal work will be conducted together. Simultaneous location and removal operations can be successful if managers have a good general knowledge of where the gear is located or confidence that concentrations of lost gear occur in a general area. In many fisheries throughout the world, the extent and location of lost fishing gear is unknown. The following methods can assist in initial assessments of locations and concentrations of lost gear to inform and guide subsequent removal operations. Selected case studies highlighting the methods described are included, and contact information is given for individuals experienced using the various methods explained herein. If attempts to contact these individuals for further information indicate that their contact information is out of date, or they are not responding, please contact gggi@worldanimalprotection.org for assistance.