Semester of Graduation

May

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Renewable Natural Resources

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Ghost fishing, the unintentional entrapment of sea life by derelict fishing gear, is an ecologic and socioeconomic concern in Louisiana's crabbing industry (blue crab, Callinectes sapidus). These ghost fishing traps cause unknown and unaccounted for mortality in blue crab and bycatch species. I aimed to track changes to derelict crab trap catch and trap deterioration over seasons and between habitats. I set and monitored 33 simulated derelict crab traps over 367 soak days in three varying habitats along Barataria Bay, Louisiana. Traps were checked once every two weeks and an additional daily check for five days per season. Blue crabs and Gulf stone crabs (Menippe adina) were tagged to determine longevity in the traps. Deterioration of trap condition was recorded over time as well as DO, salinity, temperature, and depth to address seasonal changes. Known human interactions were also recorded. Results found the highest average number of new crabs caught per trap at the Golden Meadow site (lowest salinity, 1.02 ± 0.80 crabs per trap per sampling trip for the biweekly sampling regime). The average length of blue crabs across sites was 13.4 ± 3.4 cm. The highest average number of bycatch individuals came from Port Fourchon (highest salinity), and the bycatch species of highest abundance was the Gulf stone crab. Traps in Grand Isle and Port Fourchon accumulated a higher level of biofouling than Golden Meadow by the end of the study. These results further our understanding of ghost fishing in Louisiana crab traps.

Date

1-9-2025

Committee Chair

Julie Lively

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