Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Life Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

VIMS Articles

2021

Animal Sciences

CCRM Peer Reviewed Articles

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Evaluating Optimal Removal Of Derelict Blue Crab Pots In Virginia, Us, Andrew M. Scheld, Donna M. Bilkovic, Kirk J. Havens Jan 2021

Evaluating Optimal Removal Of Derelict Blue Crab Pots In Virginia, Us, Andrew M. Scheld, Donna M. Bilkovic, Kirk J. Havens

VIMS Articles

Derelict fishing gear is a growing concern in many fisheries and coastal communities. Pots and traps are prevalent forms of derelict fishing gear with numerous documented harmful effects. In the Chesapeake Bay, US, a large blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) pot fishery produces high levels of derelict gear. From 2008 to 2014, 34,408 derelict pots were removed from blue crab fishing areas in Virginia. This research first evaluates whether observed increases in catch rates occurring contemporaneously with the removal program were the result of derelict gear removals. An econometric production model is then used to estimate marginal removal benefits …