2008 Main Hawaiian Islands Derelict Fishing Gear Survey

摘要

A significant component of marine debris is derelict fishing gear (DFG), consisting of discarded fishing nets, lines, and rope. DFG is one of the most significant marine debris problems within Hawaiis coastal and marine habitats. It presents a lethal entanglement hazard to numerous marine species, including the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal, the threatened green sea turtle, the endangered humpback whale, seabirds, and other wildlife. In addition to posing an entanglement threat to wildlife, DFG significantly damages coastal and coral reef habitats, presents a hazard to boat navigation, mars beaches important to local communities for recreation and tourism, and is a potential conduit for the unwanted introduction of alien species. In recent years, DFG has received greater attention from the media and coastal communities in Hawaii and elsewhere.