Why is derelict gear harmful to the environment?
Derelict gear poses a threat to marine mammals, seabirds, shellfish and fish through “ghost fishing,” where the gear traps and kills animals. This can attract other feeding animals to perpetrate the cycle. Derelict gear can continue such wasteful killing for decades. Derelict gear also obscures and damages productive habitat. • More from FAQ about Derelict Fishing Gear within the Olympic Coast Nat…
Derelict gear poses a threat to marine mammals, seabirds, shellfish and fish through “ghost fishing,” where the gear traps and kills animals. This can attract other feeding animals to perpetrate the cycle. Derelict gear can continue such wasteful killing for decades. Derelict gear also obscures and damages productive habitat.
