Olympic Coast Derelict Fishing Gear Pilot Project
Pacific Region; 2005
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 consisted of the following components:
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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.
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Identification of priority areas for gear removal from survey information. A removal plan was submitted to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to obtain permit exemption.
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Training of local Makah tribal commercial certified divers in protocols for safe removal procedures. This was coordinated with partners and NOAA dive program at Sand Point in Seattle, WA. There were also opportunities for tribal divers to observe and train on actual operations.
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Makah tribal trained divers removed derelict gear.
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Implementation of education, outreach and media to support the project and inform the public.
This program is funded through NOAA's Ocean Service, Office of Response & Restoration, Marine Debris Program.
