Abstract:
A study of ghost net in the coral reef area was conducted by using scuba diving
method in three stations at Bidong Island. Fishing related debris was the highest
benthic marine debris found with 49.4% from the total of 77 samples benthic marine
debris removed. Fishing gear related debris was comprised of trawl nets, gill nets,
purse seine nets and fishing lines. Fishing lines was recorded as the highest number of
marine debris found with of total 20 items. 10 items of trawl net was found in ghost
nets category followed by with 5 items of gill net and 3 items of purse seine nets.
Rope category was the second abundance of benthic marine debris found with 35%
(25 items) and followed by others category with 18% (14 items). For ghost nets view
of degree of epibiont encrustation, 4 classes of degree of epibiont encrustation was
determine comprised of none degree of epibiont encrustation found, lightly, moderate
and heavy degree of epibiont attach with nets. Category from lightly encrustation of
epibiont obtained the highest data with 28 items. 20 items from the total was recorded
by fishing lines. With existence of epibiont encrustation, it was possible to state that
ghost nets collected were remains submerged in the water for an extent of period.
