Home / Environment / Fishermen Face 4-Year Ban Over Ghost Traps
Fishermen Face 4-Year Ban Over Ghost Traps
11 Sep
Summary
- 194 abandoned crab traps recovered from Del Norte coast waters.
- Two fishermen lost licenses and permits for four years.
- Ghost gear wastes crabs and endangers marine wildlife.
Two commercial fishermen have had their licenses suspended and vessel permits revoked for four years following the recovery of 194 abandoned Dungeness crab traps. The enforcement action, finalized by the California Fish and Game Commission in August, targeted Darryl Donovan, 66, and Terry Groat, 60. Investigations revealed serious violations concerning abandoned fishing gear found in Northern California waters over two consecutive fishing seasons.
These abandoned traps, known as ghost gear, led to the waste of hundreds of Dungeness crabs and posed entanglement risks to marine wildlife. Joint air and sea patrols by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Coast Guard were crucial in locating and recovering the submerged equipment.
Donovan was linked to at least 107 abandoned traps near the Klamath River, cited for failing to service traps within the required 96-hour period and for improper reporting. Groat faced similar allegations regarding 87 traps recovered near the Smith River, including untagged buoys and allowing crabs to die in the abandoned gear.
The penalties, including the four-year suspension of vessel permits through 2030, aim to deter future violations and protect marine resources. This case emphasizes the ongoing challenge of ghost gear, which can harm marine life like whales and sea turtles and create navigational hazards for other vessels.
