MANNED SUBMERSIBLE AND ROV ASSESSMENT OF GHOST GILLNETS 

 ON JEFFREYS AND STELLWAGEN BANKS, GULF OF MAINE 



Richard A. Cooper 

 National Undersea Research Center 

 University of Connecticut, Avery Point 

 Groton, Connecticut 06340 



H. Arnold Carr 

 Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries 

 Sandwich, Massachusetts 02563 



Alan H. Hulbert 

 National Undersea Research Center 

 University of North Carolina 

 Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 



ABSTRACT 



In 1984, a three-year study began to determine the abundance 

 and likely impact of lost (ghost) demersal gillnets on two 

 important fishing grounds in the Gulf of Maine. The surveys were 

 undertaken using the submersibles Johnson Sea-Link II and Delta in 

 June of each year. The in situ methodology for this study was 

 established in 1984 at known ghost gillnet sites. A quantitative 

 survey to assess ghost net density was conducted in 1985 and 1986. 

 Twenty-four submersible transects averaging 0.5 nm resulted in a 

 survey of 186 acres of traditional commercial gillnet fishing 

 grounds of Jeffreys Ledge and Stellwagen Bank. Ghost gillnets 

 found were surveyed for net dimensions, vertical profile, fouling, 

 vertebrate and invertebrate catch, and fate of catch. One ghost 

 net found in 1984 was surveyed again in 1985 and 1986. Another net 

 found in June 1986 was re-examined in July 1986 using a Remotely 

 Operated Vehicle (ROV). Extensive video documentation was acquired 

 on each of these ghost gillnets. 



INTRODUCTION 



The increase in commercial and recreational fishing pressure 

 in the New England ground fishery over the last decade has 

 intensified the problem of gear conflict, preemption of prime 

 fishing bottom by specific gear types and the impact of lost gear 

 on the fishery resources. A major component of this controversy is 

 the use of the demersal gillnet. 



Commercial fishermen began utilizing demersal gillnets to 

 catch groundfish in the Gulf of Maine in the late 1800 's (Collins, 

 1882). Gillnets are a fixed type of fishing gear marked by 



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