At-sea detection of derelict fishing gear in the North Pacific: An overview

There are numerous known impacts of derelict fishing gear (DFG) to marine ecosystems and safe navigation around the world. To mitigate these impacts, the preemptive detection and removal of DFG at sea are being pursued. This special issue focuses on the North Pacific Ocean because of historic and ongoing research on DFG in the area, particularly as it relates to the Hawaiian Archipelago. In order to develop an effective detection strategy, information and expertise from three disciplines must be integrated: marine debris, oceanography, and remote sensing technology. Building upon results and discussions during a workshop held in December 2008, this special issue provides both results of original research and review papers, pursuing each discipline as it relates to DFG and outlining a multi-faceted strategy to effectively detect DFG at sea. This strategy serves as a roadmap, taking us closer to realizing the goal of detecting and removing DFG at sea.

► The preemptive detection of derelict fishing gear in the North Pacific Ocean is currently being pursued.
► Background information on marine debris, as related to the at sea detection of derelict fishing gear, is summarized.
► Background information on oceanography, as related to the at sea detection of derelict fishing gear, is summarized.
► Background information on remote sensing, as related to the at sea detection of derelict fishing gear, is summarized.
► Information and expertise from marine debris, oceanography, and remote sensing technology disciplines must be integrated.