Planning a Ghost Gear Removal Program for Rhode Island

General Description

Ghost gear impacts in coastal waters are acknowledged as a serious problem and ghost gear removal projects have been initiated worldwide. Using fishermen’s knowledge and underwater video technology, CFRF completed a pilot study that mapped ghost gear locations in Narragansett Bay, revealing the extent of the problem in Rhode Island waters (See CFRF project “Testing Underwater Video Technology for Ghost Gear Removal in Narragansett Bay”). With the support of commercial fishers and other regional stakeholders, CFRF will build on the results of that project and produce a cohesive, sustainable ghost gear management and removal plan for Rhode Island. CFRF will draft a planning document that will include local and state permit requirements, funding opportunities, gear disposal and recycling opportunities and steps for implementation. The document will be presented at a workshop composed of local and international experts in ghost gear removal. The main metric of success for this project beyond the grant period will be the implementation of the plan.

Project Goals:

This project will develop a ghost gear removal program for coastal Rhode Island including Narragansett Bay and Block Island. The project will:

Inform the public about ghost gear and this project through online materials and community meetings
Organize regional partnerships to help develop and implement the plan
Produce a planning document including an action plan towards implementation
Host a workshop that will bring together stakeholders, local and international experts, and fishing gear recycling companies to discuss and evaluate the ghost gear removal planning document.