Factors correlated with incidence of fishbite on deep-sea mooring lines

Abstract

Data from 399 moored stations established over the years 1967 through 1978 have been analyzed with reference to fishbite. Fishbite appears to have been a significant hazard as it was found in 22% of the lines placed within 40 degrees of the equator and where parts of the lines were at 2000 meters depth or less. Latitude, depth of water, and distance of mooring components beneath the surface were found to be correlated with incidence of fishbite; duration of a mooring was not.