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Debris Accumulation, Removal and Impact Assessment (DARIA)

Atlantic; 2007

Background | Benefits of the Project | Photos | 1-pager

Background

Home to the largest shallow lagoonal estuary in the United States, North Carolina coastal waters contain Primary Nursery Areas as well as hard bottom habitats that are important for many commercially valuable species. These coastal areas and inshore waters of North Carolina are being exposed to increasingly high levels of marine debris. Derelict monofilament line is a cause for concern as the number of recreational fishers continues to increase in North Carolina’s prolific waters. Derelict line has been reported to cause tissue abrasion and death to many sessile invertebrates, that are a critical component to Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). In addition to monofilament line, other forms of marine debris that may impact EFH include plastics, styrofoam, metal, derelict traps/pots, and woody debris.  These debris types have been observed to accumulate readily in salt marshes where they are trapped by the plants.

In this study we will implement a Debris Accumulation, Removal, and Impact Assessment (DARIA) to investigate current debris status, accumulation rates and environmental impacts in subtidal and intertidal habitats in North Carolina.  This comprehensive approach will provide baseline information and methods needed for a formal underwater marine debris removal program in North Carolina, as well as providing scientifically determined accumulation rates and environmental impacts of debris in critical marsh and nearshore habitats.

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Benefits of the Project

  • Characterize and assess the magnitude, extent, accumulation rates, and environmental impacts of debris in various nearshore habitats.

  • Reduce marine debris, including monofilament, plastics, and derelict fishing gear in coastal waters and landfills by establishing a model protocol for debris removal.

  • Lessen impact of marine debris to critical habitat and commercially valuable species.

  • Provide opportunity for NOAA to exemplify to state agencies its commitment to reduce threats and protect coastal resources.

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Photos

Monofilament is often seen entangled on and obstructing marine invertebrates such as this hard coral oculina. Black sea bass are also seen attracted to the many lures littering the habitat.
Monofilament is often seen entangled on and obstructing marine invertebrates such as this hard coral oculina. Black sea bass are also seen attracted to the many lures littering the habitat. Photo courtesy of Shay Viehman, NOAA/Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research (CCFHR).

Derelict monofilament line can cause tissue abrasion and death to many sessile invertebrates including sponges shown here.
Derelict monofilament line can cause tissue abrasion and death to many sessile invertebrates including sponges shown here. Photo courtesy of Shay Viehman, NOAA/CCFHR.

Monofilament fishing line is often found entangling marine sessile invertebrates such as the hard coral, Oculina diffusa. Black sea bass (pictured here) and other fish species appear to be attracted to lures that remain attached to the line.
Monofilament fishing line is often found entangling marine sessile invertebrates such as the hard coral, Oculina diffusa.  Black sea bass (pictured here) and other fish species appear to be attracted to lures that remain attached to the line.  Photo courtesy of Amy Uhrin, NOAA/CCFHR.

Staff at CCFHR remove debris at a salt marsh located near the CCFHR campus.
Staff at CCFHR remove debris at a salt marsh located near the CCFHR campus.  Photo courtesy of Shay Viehman, NOAA/CCFHR.

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1-pager

Download the 1-pager handout (pdf 1.80MB) on this project here.

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

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