Preventing Impacts to Rockfish and Other Species by Managing Derelict Fishing Gear

Derelict fishing nets are identified as a stressor to rockfish populations in Washington waters of the Salish Sea (aka Puget Sound). Derelict nets entangle and kill rockfish, many of which are depleted, including those species federally protected under the Endangered Species Act.  Derelict fishing nets also degrade habitats important to juvenile and adult rockfish. Ninety-six per cent of the more than 5,400 derelict nets removed from Puget Sound were found in NOAA Critical Habitat Areas for rockfish. To eliminate these impacts, the problem is addressed through aggressive removals of legacy derelict nets in waters to 105’; investigation of impacts in waters beyond 105’ through inventories of nets, visual assessments, and remotely operated vehicle removal protocol development; and prevention of derelict net re-accumulation through a lost net reporting, response and retrieval program. The Northwest Straits Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on preserving and protecting marine resources in Puget Sound, leads this effort in close partnership with state and tribal fisheries co-managers.