(7) unnecessary trap-related mortalities occur from cannibalism or 

 starvation in side fished and "ghost" traps and from gas embolisms caused 

 by rapid ascent from depths during retrieval; 



(8) traps containing large numbers of stressed fish or in the case 

 of "ghost" traps, mutiliated fish or skeletal remains, are unsightly and 

 detract from a SCUBA diver's aesthetic experience. 



Specific observations on the use of traps in tropical areas outside 

 Florida include the following: 



"If the use of fish traps becomes a significant fishing method 

 for harvesting reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico, there is a 

 possibility of seriously overfishing stocks of reef fish, 

 particularly in the nearshore waters unless effort by other 

 gear is reduced" (Draft Reef Fish FMP); "In Jamaica, where the 

 intensity of fishing on the nearshore reefs appears to 

 be higher than any other island in the Caribbean, the 

 abundance of fishes on the reef is remarkably low. We are 

 working on the hypothesis that the low density of fishes 

 is a direct consequence of exploitation with the small 

 mesh traps" (Munro, Reeson & Graut, 1971). 



By contrast, often cited advantages of wire trap use include observations 

 that they: 



(1) are inexpensive, easy to build and repair, and require little 

 maintenance; 



(2) require a minimum of effort once set, allowing fishermen to 

 pursue other interests; 



(3) can be used in areas where irregular bottom relief precludes 

 the use of trawls or nets; 



(4) are successful for fish not easily taken by other methods; and 



(5) are an important and efficient research and resource assessment tool. 



In summary, the continued use of wire fish traps within the sanctuary 

 could, according to studies and observations in other areas, seriously deplete 

 reef fish stocks through overfishing and incidental bycatch, thereby reducing 

 species richness and fish populations in the Looe Key coral reef ecological 

 system (Stevenson, 1977; Thompson and Munro, 1974). Furthermore, according 

 to the SAFMC, snapper/grouper resources may be presently overfished unless 

 regulation and management occur for these already stressed reef fish stocks. 

 Unregulated use of wire fish traps within the sanctuary could impair recreational 

 value, depriving visitors of the opportunity to enjoy an area of great species 

 diversity. Underwater visitor sightings of wire traps on the sea floor 

 containing large amounts of fish will also detract from the natural aesthetics 

 of a sanctuary and may discourage visitor use. It will be several months 

 before the snapper-grouper FMP becomes public, and changes in proposed 

 management measures may occur as a result of public review. Close coordination 

 will continue throughout the process between the SAFMC and OCZM. 



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