Derelict Fishing Traps

Fishing traps are passive gears frequently used to target crustaceans and structure-oriented finfish in the United States. These traps are thought to be one of the most common types of derelict gear worldwide.

Derelict fishing gear, including nets, lines, traps, and other recreational or commercial fishing equipment that has been lost, abandoned, or otherwise discarded, is recognized as a critical issue affecting the sustainability of coastal and marine environments. It can make up a substantial portion of marine debris in fished areas, persisting in the environment for several years following loss or abandonment.

Derelict traps often continue to function for a period of time after loss, resulting in increased fishing mortality (“ghost fishing”) that is (1) not quantified in many fisheries and (2) has the potential to reduce the harvest of fishers in areas with high concentrations of lost traps. In the United States, trap fisheries are of significant economic value, bringing in over $1 billion per year and making up approximately 20% of the total annual landings value of all U.S. fisheries. Primary causes of trap loss include vessel-gear interactions, storms, gear interference, and gear degradation. Derelict traps can have a number of harmful impacts, including bycatch mortality for target and non-target species, habitat damage, and reduced fishery harvests.