Abstract
The reduction of marine debris in the commercial fishery enhances economic opportunities in coastal fishing counties. This economic analysis assessed the perceived economic impacts of marine debris on commercial fishing among Mississippi commercial shrimpers. The perceived economic impacts of marine debris on commercial fishing were assessed using an end-of-the-year survey of captains or owners of commercial shrimping vessels/boats registered in Mississippi. The one-time survey was conducted in December 2018. The perceived impacts, types of marine debris caught, and associated damages were compared by fishermen and vessel characteristics, county location, type of shrimping gear, and fishing efforts. Chi-square tests and regression results showed little or no significant differences in the perceived impacts, types of marine debris caught and associated damages to commercial shrimping operations who participated in the 2018 preliminary survey.
