Ghost Fishing by Blue Crab Traps

Abstract

Ghost fishing by abandoned or lost traps for blue crab Callinectes sapidus was evaluated experimentally in the Timbalier Bay estuary, Louisiana. An average of 12.8 blue crabs per trap were captured by the initial baiting, and an additional 34.9 blue crabs later entered each subsequently unbaited trap; of the total captured, 25.8 died and 21.7 escaped per trap. The turnover of blue crabs was fairly rapid; two-thirds of blue crabs entering the trap either died or escaped within 2 weeks, The number of blue crabs per trap varied seasonally and was a function of the comparative rates of ingress, mortality, and escapement. Small blue crabs (<120 mm carapace width) were more likely to escape, whereas large individuals (>140 mm) tended to remain in the traps and eventually die. Management measures to ameliorate the adverse effect of ghost fishing on the blue crab resource include escape vents and biodegradable panels.