1. California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot Project Kirsten Gilardi SeaDoc Society Wildlife Health Center UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

2. Derelict fishing gear: Recreational or commercial fishing gear that is lost or abandoned in the marine environment

3. Persists in the marine environment Entangles divers and swimmers Traps and wounds or kills invertebrates, fish, birds, mammals Degrades marine ecosystems and sensitive habitats Damages propellers and rudders, snags other fishing gear Endangers boat crews and passengers Why is derelict fishing gear a problem? Jerry Allen, www.uwshooter.com

4. Model programs in US: Hawaii

5. Model programs in US: Washington State Started in 2002 Puget Sound and NW Straits >1000 nets, pots and traps removed to date

6. Derelict fishing gear in California: Every year DFG fields complaints from crab fishermen that derelict pots are affecting their ability to fish - -Bob Farrell, Dept. fo Fish and Game Underwater surveying equipment frequently gets snagged on derelict gear, especially in Southern California. - - Ed Saade, Fugro Pelagros, Inc. Wildlife rehabilitators treat hundreds of marine birds and mammals with derelict-gear related injuries year-round. - - Marty Haulena, Marine Mammal Center ; Melanie Piazza, Wildlife Care Derelict gear is seen every time Cordell Bank is surveyed - Dan Howard, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary

8. Permits/MOUs Form technical advisory committee Write and test SOPs Create website Survey for gear, build database Identify divers and vessels for removal operations, train crew Remove gear California Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Pilot Project, July 2005 - June 2006: SeaDoc Society + State Coastal Conservancy Photo courtesy of Cordell Bank NMS

10.   Diver surveys   Sidescan sonar   Reports from individuals (e.g. fishermen, divers, boat operators): online, hotline   Sidescan or divers to verify location, as necessary   Prioritize gear for removal Gear Location

11. Excel files with GPS- referenced location data linked to Nobeltec™ navigation software Divers (free, SCUBA, surface-supplied air) +/- two-way radio On-board hydraulic winch, float bags, cutting tools Gear Removal

12. Gear type Legal/illegal Biological impacts Owner identification Status (removed, disabled) Data Collection

13. Repatriate gear identifiable to owner Recycle if possible Dispose at landfills Gear Disposal

14. kvgilardi@ucdavis.edu (530) 752-4896 www.seadocsociety.org Thank you!