Assessing Ecological and Economic Effects of Derelict Fishing Gear: a Guiding Framework

Authors

Christopher F.G. Jeffrey, CSS-Dynamac, Inc.
Kirk J. Havens, Virginia Institute of Marine ScienceFollow
H. Ward Slacum Jr.
Donna Marie Bilkovic, Virginia Institute of Marine ScienceFollow
Danielle Zaveta, Versar, Inc.
Andrew M. Scheld, Virginia Institute of Marine ScienceFollow
Sean Willard, CSS-Dynamac, Inc.
John D. Evans, Global Science & Technology, Inc.

Document Type

Report

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Publication Date

10-7-2016

Abstract

Developing standardized protocols to assess the ecological and socio-economic effects of marine debris – especially, derelict fishing gear – is critical for the protection of natural resources and for evaluating policies and programs designed to reduce and remove debris. This document outlines a Derelict Fishing Gear Assessment Framework to guide the development and implementation of derelict gear assessment, management and mitigation. The framework draws from techniques and protocols developed to assess derelict crab traps effects in the Chesapeake Bay and on past derelict gear assessments either conducted by or known to the framework authors. However, this framework is generalized and intended to be used by any stakeholder with a need to assess the status of derelict fishing gear and its economic and ecological effects on living resources, habitats, ecosystems, and local economies. It provides a generalized pathway and processes for assessing the effects of derelict fishing gear, and is flexible and scalable so that users of the framework can make informed decisions when data are limited, and can tailor it to satisfy their specific assessment goals and objectives if a full scale assessment is not required. The framework recommends best practices for each of five key elements.

Issue

Revision 1

DOI

http://doi.org/10.21220/V50W23

Keywords

marine debris, derelict fishing gear

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Funding

Marine Debris Program Office of Response and Restoration National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Contract DG133E-10-CQ - 0034, Task Order 007

Recommended Citation

Jeffrey, C. F., Havens, K. J., Slacum, H. W., Bilkovic, D. M., Zaveta, D., Scheld, A. M., Willard, S., & Evans, J. D. (2016) Assessing Ecological and Economic Effects of Derelict Fishing Gear: a Guiding Framework. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary. http://doi.org/10.21220/V50W23