Presence, Accumulation, and Benthic Impacts of Marine Debris on offshore reefs of Biscayne National Park
Vanessa McDonough
Located adjacent to the major metropolitan area of Miami-Dade, Biscayne National Park is a popular recreation, boating, and fishing destination. With increased public use comes increased presence of marine debris, particularly debris arising from human recreation and commercial activities. In 2016, park staff began a long-term effort at 14 high-use reef sites located along the park’s eastern boundary to: 1) remove marine debris, 2) measure re-accumulation rates, and 3) assess the extent of injuries and mortalities to sessile benthic reef organisms. Initial debris loads averaged 34 pieces and 31kg of debris per 1000m2 site. Debris associated with hook-and-line fishing was the most commonly encountered type of debris although by debris mass, commercial trap fishery debris dominated. Re-accumulation estimates varied by site, likely influenced by degree of use as well as currents and site-specific habitat structure, but averaged 37.7 pieces and 13.5kg per year. A total of 2,205 impacts to benthic invertebrates have been documented, with approximately 20% of those being fatal impacts. Hook-and-line debris caused the most injuries while trap fishery debris caused the most deaths. Sponges sustained the most debris-related impacts, although it is not clear if this is due to their relatively high abundance compared to other benthic taxa groups studied or their form and growth habits. Fire corals, gorgonians, and stony corals were most often affected by hook-and-line gear while sponges and zooanthids were most commonly affected by trap fishery debris.
Fishery and Wildlife Biologist
Biscayne National Park, 9700 SW 328th St, Homestead FL 33033
[email protected]
Vanessa McDonough
Located adjacent to the major metropolitan area of Miami-Dade, Biscayne National Park is a popular recreation, boating, and fishing destination. With increased public use comes increased presence of marine debris, particularly debris arising from human recreation and commercial activities. In 2016, park staff began a long-term effort at 14 high-use reef sites located along the park’s eastern boundary to: 1) remove marine debris, 2) measure re-accumulation rates, and 3) assess the extent of injuries and mortalities to sessile benthic reef organisms. Initial debris loads averaged 34 pieces and 31kg of debris per 1000m2 site. Debris associated with hook-and-line fishing was the most commonly encountered type of debris although by debris mass, commercial trap fishery debris dominated. Re-accumulation estimates varied by site, likely influenced by degree of use as well as currents and site-specific habitat structure, but averaged 37.7 pieces and 13.5kg per year. A total of 2,205 impacts to benthic invertebrates have been documented, with approximately 20% of those being fatal impacts. Hook-and-line debris caused the most injuries while trap fishery debris caused the most deaths. Sponges sustained the most debris-related impacts, although it is not clear if this is due to their relatively high abundance compared to other benthic taxa groups studied or their form and growth habits. Fire corals, gorgonians, and stony corals were most often affected by hook-and-line gear while sponges and zooanthids were most commonly affected by trap fishery debris.
Fishery and Wildlife Biologist
Biscayne National Park, 9700 SW 328th St, Homestead FL 33033
[email protected]