The distribution and direct impacts of marine debris on the commercial shrimping industry

Abstract Commercial shrimpers frequently encounter marine debris in their nets, resulting in the loss of time and catch, and added repair costs. Prior to this study, no information existed on the spatial and temporal distribution of marine debris that shrimpers encounter and the subsequent economic impact on commercial shrimping. To characterize the quantity and impacts of marine debris, twenty commercial shrimpers participated in a comprehensive data collection program within the north central Gulf of Mexico, USA. Results showed that derelict crab traps were an overwhelming issue for shrimpers, and the type of fishing gear used (skimmer vs. otter trawls) influenced both the type of marine debris encountered and the subsequent economic impacts. Surveyed shrimpers encountered marine debris on 19% of tows and lost an average of 18.21 minutes, 7.88 kg of catch, and $6.37 (USD) in gear damage per tow with encounters, resulting in losses of $7,683 (USD) per year, per shrimper.