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Marine Debris Location and Removal Project - '09/'10 |
Marine debris is a global problem that injures and kills marine life,
interferes with navigational safety, causes economic losses to fishing and
coastal industries, and poses a threat to human health. The Chesapeake Bay
is continually polluted with a wide variety of marine debris including
derelict crab traps. Derelict (lost or abandoned) blue crab traps (pots)
can continue to capture and kill animals for several years depending upon
salinity and wave climate. Removal of marine debris, particularly
derelict pots, can result in a natural resource and economic benefit if
conducted in a structured and environmentally sensitive manner.
Watermen who would have been eligible to participate in the 2008/2009 crab
dredge season (this season was closed by VMRC in April 2008) were invited
to participate in the program. An additional 8 watermen were chosen by
lottery to participate in the program to specifically target shallow
water areas bringing the total number of participants to 66. The project takes place from December through March 15th.
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2009-2010 Season Debris
Collection Counter
(as of February 8, 2010)
Total crab pots removed:
Total peeler pots removed:
Total eel pots removed:
Total nets removed:
Total other debris removed:
* Total items removed:
Sunken vessels identified:
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5,722
970
78
22
361
7,153
7 |
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Maps
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Photos
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Reports
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Media
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Agency Resources/
Training
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* Preliminary data subject to final quality assurance review. |
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