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Collection of Benthic Marine Debris During the 2008 West Coast Groundfish Trawl Survey

Pacific; 2008

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

Background

Composition and abundance of benthic marine debris will be investigated at offshore locations during 2 passes of the 2008 West Coast Groundfish Trawl Survey from the US-Canada to the US-Mexico borders. Debris items from ~750 randomly selected tow sites (55-1,280 m) will be classified into 8 categories (plastic, metal, clothing, glass, toxic, derelict fishing gear, military debris and other) and counted and weighed. Previous benthic marine debris surveys based on litter collected during benthic trawls are reported for the Mediterranean Sea, Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Oregon coast and the Bay of Biscay but rarely has such an extensive, coast-wide survey been proposed.   Preliminary results indicate that marine benthic debris was more frequently encountered in the southern portion of the survey, occurring in 65% of the southernmost tows versus 25% overall. The proposed research will reveal the density of marine debris within the study area and provide insight on sources and distribution (geographic and depth). Marine debris and derelict fishing gear collected will be removed and result in improved benthic habitat for fish and invertebrates.

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Partners

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Benefits of the Project

  • Map, remove, and characterize extent of marine debris along U.S. west coast

  • Cleaner underwater habitat

  • Healthier ecosystem and increased bottom habitat

  • Clearer understanding of sources of debris along U.S. west coast

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Photos

The following are photos of marine debris collected during the Northwest Fisheries Science Center’s West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey. Photos courtesy of the Survey Team.

Marine debris collected during the Northwest Fisheries Science Center’s West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey

Marine debris collected during the Northwest Fisheries Science Center’s West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey

Marine debris collected during the Northwest Fisheries Science Center’s West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey

Marine debris collected during the Northwest Fisheries Science Center’s West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey

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1-pager

Download the 1-pager handout (pdf 391KB) 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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