Kirk J. Havens

Proposed Hydrogeomorphic Classification for Wetlands of the Mid-Atlantic Region, USA

We propose a regional classification for wetlands of the Mid-Atlantic region, USA. It combines functional characteristics recognized by the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) approach with the established classification of the National Wetland Inventory (NWI). The HGM approach supplements the NWI classification by recognizing the importance of geomorphic setting, water sources, and flow dynamics that are key to functioning wetlands. Both NWI and HGM share at their highest levels the Marine, Estuarine, and Lacustrine classes. This classification departs from the NWI system by subdividing the Palustrine system into HGM classes of Slope, Depression, and Flat. Further, the Riverine class expands to include associated Palustrine wetlands, thus recognizing the interdependency between channel and floodplain. Deepwater habitats of NWI are not included because they differ functionally. Mid-Atlantic regional subclasses recognize two subclasses each for Flat, Slope, and Marine Tidal Fringe; three subclasses for Depression; four subclasses for Lacustrine Fringe and Estuarine Tidal Fringe, and five subclasses for Riverine. Taking a similar approach in other geographic regions will better characterize wetlands for assessment and restoration. This approach was applied successfully during a regional wetlands condition assessment. We encourage additional testing by others to confirm its utility in the region.

The Dilemma of Derelict Gear

Every year, millions of pots and traps are lost in crustacean fisheries around the world. Derelict fishing gear has been found to produce several harmful environmental and ecological effects, however socioeconomic consequences have been investigated less frequently. We analyze the economic effects of a substantial derelict pot removal program in the largest estuary of the United States, the Chesapeake Bay. By combining spatially resolved data on derelict pot removals with commercial blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) harvests and effort, we show that removing 34,408 derelict pots led to significant gains in gear efficiency and an additional 13,504 MT in harvest valued at US

Crab Trap with Degradable Cull Ring Panel

21.3 million—a 27% increase above that which would have occurred without removals. Model results are extended to a global analysis where it is seen that US

Fishing Trap with Degradable Cull Ring Panel

831 million in landings could be recovered annually by removing less than 10% of the derelict pots and traps from major crustacean fisheries. An unfortunate common pool externality, the degradation of marine environments is detrimental not only to marine organisms and biota, but also to those individuals and communities whose livelihoods and culture depend on profitable and sustainable marine resource use.