| Summary: | ghost In an experimental retrieval program in Bonavista and Trininty Bay's, 148 lost gill-nets were recovered in a 20 day period, containing 6,717 pounds of groundfish and 3,220 pounds of crab. These findings confirm what many fishermen have believed for some time, that missing gill-nets, or 'ghost nets' as they are referred to, have been having a detrimental effect on fish stocks. The problem arises when gill- nets are torn away from their moorings as a result of storm or, in some cases, carelesness. Impervious to rot the synthetic nets continue to catch fish, until the accumulated weight sinks them. As the fish start to decompose the net floats off the bottom and begins to fish again. This cycle can go on in- definitely. The Industrial Development Branch, which conducted the study, feels that 'ghost-nets,' whether lost as a result of ice, wind, tides, etc. continue to fish at a declining rate until either the headrope and footrope are twisted together or where in areas of high crab con- centration the net becomes infested with crab, until it is eventually covered with bottom debris. Where these conditions do not occur, however, 'nets continue to fish effectively, for at least one or two years." Concern over over-fishing of the larger fish, low quality levels and ghost nets mounted but the gill-nets had become 'indespensible' in maintaining catches. Today a single longliner may use over two hundred gill-nets. W. KIRWIN 6/76 JH 6/76 PRINTED ITEM DNE-cit Used I and Sup Used I and Sup 3 Used I
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