Abstract

The number of lost lobster traps and their effect on the lobster population, the environment, and protected species are well studied in the spiny lobster fishery in Florida, USA (Chiappone et al. 2002, Chiappone et al. 2005, Uhrin et al. 2005, Lewis et al. 2009, Adimey et al. 2014, Uhrin et al. 2014, Butler and Matthews 2015). Though concern for environmental issues usually ranks high for much of the public (Bell 2011), specific knowledge of marine debris impacts varies among groups. Specifically, there is considerable disagreement or lack of information within the commercial fishing community concerning trap loss research. Environmentalists, recreational boaters, and the fishing community also appear to lack information on trap debris issues, trap loss, and programs to recover lost traps. A two-year education campaign was directed at both the commercial fishing industry and the environmentally-concerned public to improve awareness of trap debris issues. This campaign also included issues associated with monofilament fishing line and other marine debris.

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