Untangling the mess of derelict gear

The smell or sight of a harmful spill in Puget Sound is easy to notice. But some environmental damage is less obvious, hiding underneath the water’s surface.

Derelict fishing gear and crab pots needlessly trap marine life and litter the waterways each year. An estimated 12,000 crab pots are left behind annually by fishers.

A new proposal spearheaded by Rep. Christine Rolfes is aimed at untangling this mess. Gov. Gregoire is set to approve Rolfes’ bill today.

“This is one piece of the huge effort needed to truly clean up Puget Sound,” said Rolfes. “We need to instill a better sense of accountability and responsibility so that this gear doesn’t get left behind in the first place.”

The bill puts in place greater cleanup and enforcement mechanisms, while charging the Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop recommendations on how to comprehensively address this issue. More information about Rolfes’ bill here.