Dredges

Dredging is one of the most destructive forms of fishing. It occurs when a large, heavy, metal frame is dragged along the seafloor, lifting up benthic invertebrates and trapping them in a net that is connected to the rear of the frame. The net collects scallops, clams, and fish, but also removes structures that function as bottom habitat for many marine animals, including sea turtles.

This form of fishing especially threatens sea turtles that forage in coastal areas for benthic invertebrates, like Olive Ridleys, Kemp's Ridleys, Hawksbills, and Loggerheads. Sea turtles can be crushed by the significant weight of the dredge frames.