Preliminary Analysis of Towed Camera Video Data from the eastern Gulf of Mexico for Derelict Fishing Gear Distribution and Concentration

Trial analysis for evidence of discarded fishing gear and marine debris was accomplished using datasets previously collected by the C-SCAMP team. The purpose of this trial was to assess the potential for the C-BASS platform to provide useable data on the distribution, concentration and composition of marine debris, in particular DFG, for future research and possible remediation measures. Thirteen transects were chosen based off previous analysis of fish density, year and habitat characterization on the Gulfstream Pipeline, Madison-Swanson MPA, the Elbow, Steamboat Lumps MPA, the Florida Middle Grounds HAPC and the SW Florida Middle Grounds.