October 2022 — Bycatch
The term “bycatch” is used to refer to animals that accidentally get swept up or caught in fishing nets or other gear that fishermen cannot keep or sell. This often includes sea turtles and seabirds.
According to NOAA Fisheries, “Bycatch is a complex, global issue that threatens the sustainability and resiliency of our fishing communities, economies, and ocean ecosystems. Bycatch of protected species, such as sea turtles and marine mammals, remains a significant threat to recovering dwindling populations.”
One way Delaware Sea Grant is tackling bycatch is through our derelict crab pot removal program. In addition to littering the seafloor, derelict crab pots can cause damage to boat propellers and have the potential to “ghost fish,” luring sea creatures into their midst and trapping them.
With funding from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, Delaware Sea Grant and the CSHEL lab is collaborating with state and local partners and volunteers to not only remove derelict crab pots from Delaware’s Inland Bays, but to collect information on locally-relevant impacts. To learn more, visit our official crab pot page.
You can also learn more about research DESG specialist Ed Hale and research partner Dewayne Fox are conducting with bycatch and sturgeon on this month's episode of SeaTalk.
Notable Dates in August
All month — October is National Seafood Month, and a fitting time to celebrate that the United States is recognized as a global leader in sustainable seafood—both wild-caught and farmed. To get started on learning more, check out DESG’s Seafood Health Facts website, a resource for consumers to obtain objective information on seafood products.