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California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot Project

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.

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California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot Project

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  1. California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot Project Kirsten Gilardi SeaDoc Society Wildlife Health Center UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

  2. Derelict fishing gear:Recreational or commercial fishing gear that is lost or abandoned in the marine environment

  3. 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

  4. Model programs in US:Hawaii

  5. Model programs in US:Washington State • Started in 2002 • Puget Sound and NW Straits • >1000 nets, pots and traps removed to date

  6. 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

  7. California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot Project, July 2005 - June 2006:SeaDoc 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

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

  11. Gear Disposal • Repatriate gear identifiable to owner • Recycle if possible • Dispose at landfills

  12. Thank you! kvgilardi@ucdavis.edu (530) 752-4896 www.seadocsociety.org

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