4. Conclusions
Although rates of trap loss, ghost fishing, and trap degradation vary among fisheries, it is clear that the harmful effects of DFTs are real, measurable, and important. The ubiquitous nature of DFT distribution and percent of ghost fishing within seven U.S. fisheries led to catch of target and non-target species, loss of a portion of the harvestable annual catch, habitat degradation, and costs to fishermen. While the harmful effects of DFTs may not be as critical as other stressors, these effects are pervasive, persistent, and largely preventable. We believe the recommendations in our DFT Management Strategy to reduce, and ideally eliminate, trap loss and reduce ghost fishing should be implemented. Tackling the challenge effectively will involve a mixed-methods approach, including increased spatial planning to reduce accidental loss, expanded discard options to incentivize proper disposal, more efforts to educate communities about the widespread nature and harmful effects of derelict traps, and regular removal operations that follow standard techniques to minimize habitat damage. Integrated research with fishing communities should develop trap construction options that reduce ghost fishing without reducing catch, and fisheries research should develop a better understanding of the population impacts of ghost fishing to include this information in stock assessments. Derelict fishing traps have clear-cut effects that, unlike many other marine stressors, are manageable, and should be prevented through efforts to understand regional causes of gear loss and a combination of research and innovative methods to limit ghost fishing. This is a global issue whose complexity is illustrated by our synthesis of seven U.S. fisheries, and will require actions focused on specific fisheries around the world.