Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

John Rodgers III

Committee Member

Eric Sparks

Committee Member

Adam Skarke

Committee Member

Benedict Posadas

Date of Degree

8-6-2021

Original embargo terms

Worldwide

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Environmental Geosciences

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Geosciences

Abstract

Commercial shrimpers in the Mississippi Sound frequently encounter marine debris in their nets, which results in loss of time, loss of catch, and added repair costs. Yet, the spatial and temporal distribution of this marine debris and the economic impact faced by shrimpers in the Mississippi Sound is not well known. This study measured the quantity and economic impact of marine debris by surveying 20 commercial shrimpers. Participants logged marine debris encounters, fishing data, and damage to fishing gear during the July 2020 through December 2020 shrimping season. It was found that shrimpers encounter marine debris 19% of all tows, and the majority of all marine debris encountered by shrimpers (79%) was derelict crab traps. Additionally, 10% of all tows reported direct impacts.

Sponsorship

EPA Marine Debris Program

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