A study of ghost nets in coral reef area at Bidong Island, Terengganu

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.