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Marine Debris Location and Removal Project |
Marine debris is a global problem that injures and kills marine life, interferes with navigational safety, causes economic losses to fishing and coastal industries, and poses a threat to human health. The Chesapeake Bay is continually polluted with a wide variety of marine debris including derelict crab traps. Derelict (lost or abandoned) blue crab traps (pots) can continue to capture and kill animals for several years depending upon salinity and wave climate. Removal of marine debris, particularly derelict pots, can result in a natural resource and economic benefit if conducted in a structured and environmentally sensitive manner.
Watermen who would have been eligible to participate in the 2008/2009 crab dredge season (this season was closed by VMRC in April 2008) were invited to participate in the program. The project takes place from December through March 15th. |
'08/'09 Season Debris Collection Counter
Total crab pots removed:
Total peeler pots removed:
Total eel pots removed:
Total nets removed:
Total other debris removed:
* Total items removed:
Sunken vessels identified:
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7865
829
96
62
191
9043
5 |
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Maps
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Photos
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Reports
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Media
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Agency Resources/
Training
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* Preliminary data subject to final quality assurance review. |
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