Shrimp trawl fishermen actually try to avoid structured habitat (oyster beds) or obstructions because the trawl will likely be damaged or destroyed and results in significant economic loss due to lost fishing time and replacing/repairing expensive gear
So they only care about the financial reasons for not fishing in oyster reefs
No population assessment has been completed for spot; however scientists are concerned about spot discards in the shrimp trawl fishery.
SO WHY AREN'T WE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT
are not overfishing Atlantic croaker
as they are using the 2010 fmp
The state has been collecting detailed biological data on spot, Atlantic croaker, and gray trout since 1978
yet they don't know if they are overfished or not
More recent studies found that 82% of the Atlantic croaker, 55% of the spot, and 76% of the weakfish were observed alive in catches of commercial shrimp trawlers when brought on board
at what stage were they sampled? right as the trawl unloads? or when the fish are actually sorted through
Survival rates of discarded finfish from the shrimp trawl catches are also difficult to accurately calculate
so given the uncertainty, why continue to trawl?
overestimate
underestimate
All bottom-disturbing fishing gear is prohibited in these areas, including shrimp trawls and has been prohibited as such for over 35 years
accounts for less than have of estuarine ecosystems in nc
The most common organisms caught in shrimp trawls are shrimp, small fish, crabs, and jellyfish.6 L
we know that fish outnumber shrimp in catch abundance according the the 2016 brown study.
Scientists have found that trawling disturbance can stimulate an increase in population numbers of bottom invertebrates
misquoting this research, it is just polychaetes that are growing in numbers due to dead bycatch creating a trophic shift.
like what is found in most of Pamlico Sound, shrimp trawls and their doors are not highly destructive.
where is the research for this?