New research from the University of Delaware suggests there is a ghost crab pot problem in the state’s Inland Bays, with almost 3.5 abandoned crab pots per acre just along the Bay Cove section of Rehoboth Bay near Dewey Beach.
The lost or abandoned pots can cause injury to swimmers, damage boat propellers and have the potential to create a cycle of trapping and killing area sea creatures.
The researchers used a side-scan sonar device to explore the area, opting for a low-cost, consumer-friendly system—one that could be found at outdoor stores and are usually utilized by recreational fisherman. In addition to getting an initial scope of the problem, they sought to develop a method of tracking the pots that could be used by agencies, private citizens or civic groups to help aid in future mapping and removal efforts.
“We did 21 acres in Bay Cove and saw more than 75 ghost pots, so that’s 3.5 per acre,” said Art Trembanis, associate professor in the School of Marine Science and Policy. “Once we ground truthed the sonar data and knew that we were seeing pots, it was a crestfallen sort of shock.”
You can learn more about their work here.
About the Author
Come-Heres have completely failed to properly assimilate. Assimilation requires individuals to fully adopt the cultural norms, values, and behaviors of…
But all the daddy's got rich selling to the come heres. Dont the come heres have rights after stuffing money…
Concrete is 20% water and I am quite sure that the concrete plant was in operation before the 'Come'Heres' got…
Wayne gets his info from truth social. He cosplays an American, Editor's Note: Hey cissy, your grammar sucks (sentences end…
Hi, Joseph, and let me say you sound nice, if a bit confused. Aren't you aware of the fact that…