About the Program

Olympic Coast Derelict Fishing Gear Pilot Project

The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary has observed the presence of derelict fishing gear in the course of remotely-operated vehicle surveys of the sanctuary. There is substantial information about widespread derelict gear in this area, some of which has been reported as an imminent threat to marine mammals.

This multi-level project to assess and remove the DFG from this sanctuary consists of the following components:

Survey of potential target areas for nets and crab pots, based on potential targets areas to identify concentrations of crab pots using side scan sonar and magnetometers.
Identification of priority areas for gear removal from survey information. Prepare a removal plan to be submitted to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to obtain permit exemption.
Training of local Makah tribal commercial certified divers in protocols for safe removal procedures. This is coordinated with partners and NOAA dive program at Sand Point in Seattle . There are also opportunities for tribal divers to observe and train on actual operations.
Makah tribal trained divers remove derelict gear.
Implementation of education, outreach and media plans to support the project and inform the public.

This program is funded through NOAA's Ocean Service, Office of Response & Restoration, Marine Debris Program.