Comparison of degradable materials in escape panels on blue crab pots in North Carolina / by Lancelot Delton Winslow.
| Author/creator | Winslow, Lancelot Delton author. |
| Other author | Rulifson, Roger A. (Roger Allen), 1951- degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Biology. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 2004. |
| Description | 125 leaves : illustrations, map ; 28 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Summary | The blue crab Callinectes sapidus supports North Carolina's most valuable fishery in terms of total landings, value, processing, employment and amount of gear used. Baited crab pots account for 95% of the total landings. The estimated number of crab pots used has increased from 350,379 in 1983 to 1,278,123 in 2002. According to a 2002 state gear survey, there were an estimated 17% (181,472) of hard crab pots and 11% (21,064) of peeler pots lost. This study compares four degradable materials Gute, sisal, 20 gauge wire, and 24 gauge wire) used to open escape panels on irretrievable pots, thus minimizing undesired mortality of crabs and finfish in lost and abandoned pots ("ghost" pots). Eight crab pots with degradable materials attached to escape panels were set at each of four geographic locations for a total of 32 pots and 96 tests. These pots were closed to organisms but were retrieved and checked once weekly for breakage of the degradable materials. An additional eight fully fishing baited pots were set in the Alligator River, and fished weekly to represent commercial crabbing activities. Results indicated that breakage time of the four materials was site specific. Twenty-four gauge wire had the shortest breaking time of all four degradable materials in four of five locations, and in one location jute had the shortest breakage time. Breakage time was not related to salinity. Actively fished pots significantly reduced the breaking time. Escape panels opened as a result of degradable material breakage allowing blue crabs and finfish to escape. Escape panels are recommended over the degradable material lid-strap configuration, and panels positioned at the top of the trap are recommended over those positioned at the bottom of the trap. |
| General note | Presented to the faculty of the Department of Biology. |
| General note | Advisor: Roger A. Rulifson |
| Dissertation note | M.S. East Carolina University 2004 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 23-24). |
| Genre/form | dissertations. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
Availability
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | University Archives | ASK AT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DESK | ✔ Available | Request Material |
| Electronic Resources | Access Content Online | ✔ Available |