Creating a GIS-based model of marine debris “hot spots” to improve efficiency of a lobster trap debris removal program

Martens, Justin; Huntington, Brittany E.

Creating a GIS-based model of marine debris “hot spots” to improve efficiency of a lobster trap debris removal program

2012

Martens, Justin | Huntington, Brittany E.

Debris removal programs are combatting the accumulation of derelict fishing gear and other debris in marine habitats. We analyzed 5years of lobster trap debris removal data in Biscayne National Park, Florida to assess removal efficiency and develop spatially-explicit mapping tools to guide future removals. We generated and validated debris “hot spots” maps that combined remotely-sensed data (i.e. benthic habitat type and bathymetry) with 862 locations of previous debris collection. Our hot spot models spatially depict regions of likely debris accumulation, reducing the search area by 95% (from 332km² to 18km²) and encompassing 100% of the validation sites. Our analyses indicate removal contractors using sub-surface towed divers enhanced debris recovery. Additionally, the quantity of debris removed did not decrease with increased efforts, suggesting that debris supply in situ exceeds removal efforts. We conclude with the importance of coupling analysis of ongoing debris removal programs with GIS technology to improve removal efforts.

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