“…However, given the broad geographical distribution of documented HABs, we assume that all areas have equal risk of exposure to the dozen or so species of dinoflagellates responsible for regional spreading of HABs. •Does derelict gear initially float or sink | 25 , 84 – 86 | Habitat alteration and degradation | •The habitat types where the derelict gear occurs •The risk that the derelict gear will damage habitat, such as through scouring, abrading, smothering or altering the habitat’s structure | •Risk of damaging sensitive habitats | 26 , 41 , 74 |
Obstruction of in-use fishing gear and navigation, creation of safety risks at sea | •The risk that derelict gear will encounter marine vessels and in-use fishing gear, and cause fouling, is explained in part by: Whether the derelict gear floats or sinks, as floating debris has a higher risk of obstructing marine vessels •Whether the derelict gear occurs in areas with marine vessel traffic •Whether there is aerial and vertical overlap between the derelict gear and in-use fishing gear •Whether the derelict gear materials risk fouling vessels and in-use fishing gear •The relative visibility of surface and subsurface derelict gear | •Does derelict gear initially float •Derelict gear spatial and vertical overlap with in-use fishing gear •Derelict gear materials’ risk of fouling vessels and in-use fishing gear •Derelict gear visibility | 4 , 24 , 64 , 87 |
Reduced socioeconomic, aesthetic and use values of coastal and nearshore areas | •Risk that the derelict gear will ground on coastlines and nearshore habitats used for human activities such as recreation, tourism, education and research, and residential and commercial purposes, which is explained in part by whether the fishing grounds are located in nearshore areas, and whether the derelict gear initially floats and thus has the potential to be transported to nearshore and coastal habitats. •The proportion of the derelict gear that might occur on coastlines and nearshore areas that is not made of natural and biodegradable materials. |
…”