Introduction to the Current Problem Facing Fisheries
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Introduction to Different Fishing Gear and Their Impacts
Precatching Technology
Mobile Gear
Midwater Trawling
Bottom Trawling
Nonmobile Gear
Purse Seining and Stationary Nets
Traps
Traps are one of the most environmentally friendly fishing methods. They are highly selective, since fishermen can release unwanted fish alive when the traps are hauled up. They also do little to no harm to the ocean floor or other oceanic surroundings, as they are nonmobile. However, there is a huge problem associated with traps - ghost fishing.
In 1995, the FAO deemed ghost fishing to be one of the most seriously negative impacts in the present capture fishery industry (Matsuoka). When traps are lost, from storms or human negligence or otherwise, the vast majority will continue to catch and trap fish or other ocean life for months, or even years. Ghost fishing in some commercial stocks is estimated to be equal to 5-30% of the annual catch levels (Laist). There are many measures in place to prevent ghost fishing, but