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USA: VIMS to lead us programme for managing derelict fishing gear

Seafood
United States
Published May 18, 2023

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VIMS to lead US programme for managing derelict fishing gear. The new national programme focused on protecting U.S. coastal waters

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VIMS to lead US programme for managing derelict fishing gear. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has chosen William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science as home base for a new national programme focused on protecting U.S. coastal waters from derelict fishing gear. Derelict gear refers to fishing equipment that has been lost, abandoned, or otherwise discarded in the water, commonly due to storms and boat traffic. It can harm ecosystems and economies by trapping and killing targeted and bycatch species, damaging marine habitats, and competing with actively fished gear. VIMS’ new Nationwide Fishing TRAP Programme—“TRAP” for Trap Removal, Assessment, & Prevention—will fund removal of the pots and traps used to harvest crabs and lobsters, and establish a Derelict Trap Policy Innovation Lab to synthesise the collected data to inform prevention and mitigation policies at the state and federal levels. The brainchild of Drs. Kirk Havens, Donna Bilkovic, and Andrew ...
Source: Fish Focus
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