| STFA/NOAA Lost Trap Study |
NOAA's Biogeography Program and the STFA are undertaking a cooperative study of lost traps on the St. Thomas Shelf. The goals of the study are:
and GPS locations where traps have been lost so that field survey can be more accurately targeted. Initial results are shown in the map below. Also shown are locations where fishermen say that storm waves and currents carry traps into "piles". The next phase will involve putting 12 traps in the water and observing fish movement in and out as well as fouling. A field survey will be carried out this spring to locate lost traps using electronic techniques and towed cameras. Project Description Lost Trap Presentation at 1/26/2010 Principal Investigator's Meeting Phase 1 Report-Locations of Lost Traps and Trap Fishing Effort NOAA Final Report |
