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Abstract
Derelict crab traps impact the coastal ecosystem through continued catch of target
species and species of conservation, economic, or recreational importance. During
volunteer-supported crab trap cleanups in 2012 and 2013, we quantified ghost fishing
activity in derelict crab traps in coastal Louisiana through a citizen scientist program.
Volunteers removed 3607 derelict traps during these events, and over 65% of traps
analyzed by citizen scientists were actively ghost fishing. Additionally, volunteers
identified 19 species enmeshed in derelict traps, including a combination of fresh
and saltwater species. We also detected a significant difference in the number of
blue crab in actively ghost fishing derelict traps across removal locations with estimated
catches varying between 2.4 and 3.5 crabs/trap. Our instantaneous estimates of ghost
fishing activity are greater than those previously thought in Louisiana, further justifying
current derelict crab trap prevention and removal extension and outreach programs
in Louisiana and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.