At-sea Detection of Derelict Fishing Gear in the North Pacific Ocean
Background | Current Efforts | Partners | Links
Background
There are numerous known impacts of derelict fishing gear (DFG) to marine ecosystems and safe navigation around the world. To mitigate these impacts, the preemptive detection and removal of DFG at sea is being pursued. This research area focuses on the North Pacific Ocean because of historic and ongoing research on DFG in the area, particularly as it relates to the Hawaiian Archipelago.
In order to develop an effective detection strategy, information and expertise from three distinct disciplines must be applied: marine debris, oceanography, and remote sensing technology. Building upon results and discussions during a workshop held in December 2008, efforts continue to move forward in this area. The developed at-sea detection strategy serves as a roadmap, taking us closer to realizing the goal of detecting and removing DFG at sea.
Current Efforts
- Implementation and refinement of at-sea detection strategy
- Communication and coordination among various partners, including NASA
- Collaboration on a special issue of the peer-reviewed journal Marine Pollution Bulletin (Elsevier)
Partners
- Airborne Technologies, Inc.
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- NASA Dryden Flight Research Center
- NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory
- NOAA Marine Debris Program
- NOAA NESDIS Satellite Oceanography & Climatology Division
- NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations
- NOAA Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument
- NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
- NOAA PIFSC, Coral Reef Ecosystem Division
- NOAA SWFSC, Environmental Research Division
- NOAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program
- University of Hawaii, International Pacific Research Center
Links
Workshop on the At-sea Detection and Removal of Derelict Fishing Gear
At-Sea Detection Cruise: March 24-April 9, 2008
Malolo Project: Focusing Efforts to Detect Derelict Fishing Gear at Sea in the North Pacific
Literature on the Movement and Accumulation of Marine Debris
Derelict Fishing Gear Accumulation in the NWHI (NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Coral Reef Ecosystem Division)
