Marine Debris

On average the recovery teams retrieve 600 lost traps per winter.

Commercial watermen have recovered thousands of derelict crab pots since 2012.

Dozens of oyster cages were moved by winter ice events, 2018.

Commercial crabbers work on recovery projects during the off season.

 

Stockton researchers have been working on marine debris programs in New Jersey鈥檚 coastal bays since 2009.  Utilizing the hydrography program support at the MFS, researchers at Stockton identify and map marine debris, primarily lost fishing gear, using side scan sonar.  The research team emphasizes collaboration with the commercial fishing community to recover lost gear for both the ecological and economic benefits that the recovery programs have.  Removing lost fishing gear from coastal bays decreases threats to target and non-target species as well as hazards to navigation.  Less lost traps equal more bottom space for active traps and can lead to higher catch rates for target species (blue crabs).

 

Image of 2 crab pots in the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve

 side scan sonar image of a pair of lost crab pots

Researchers at Stockton have received funding from NOAA鈥檚 Marine Debris Program in 2012, 2015 and recently in 2018.  A primary objective of Stockton's marine debris research is to assist the commercial trap fisheries in reducing lost gear through directed watermen sonar training programs.  Related links are below;

For more information about current projects or to collaborate in our region on a marine debris project Dr. Mark Sullivan.  For commercial fishery inquiries or to be considered for our programs contact Steve Evert.

 

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