Over 2,500 Abandoned Traps Removed from Louisiana
Waters During LDWF Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo
Over the course of two February weekends, volunteers,
staff and members of the commercial fishing industry retrieved more than 2,500 traps during the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ annual Derelict Crab Trap
Rodeo.
Two events were held on separate Saturdays, but
cleanup efforts continued in the designated areas throughout the closure period. The Lake Pontchartrain cleanup,
headed by the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, was
based out of Pelican Pointe Marina in Orleans Parish on
February 13. Volunteers from LPBF, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and local chapters of the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana worked with LDWF personnel to collect
554 traps during the event, and LDWF and LPBF staff continued to collect an additional 832 traps during the closure for
a grand total of 1,386 traps removed. John Lopez with LPBF
said, “Picking up the ghost traps is hard, but very rewarding
work. We thank all the volunteers and sponsors who support
this worthwhile effort.”
The Barataria Basin cleanup, headed by the BaratariaTerrebonne National Estuary Program, was staged out of
Jean Lafitte Harbor in Jefferson Parish on February 20. Volunteers from BTNEP, local CCA chapters and commercial
crabbers worked in coordination with the Department to
collect 874 traps. During the remaining closure period, an
additional 320 traps were collected, for a total of 1,194 traps
removed.
Seth Moncrief of BTNEP was extremely appreciative of
the outpouring of support, “Thanks to everyone who helped
with the 2016 Derelict Crap Trap Rodeo. It was a great effort
that removed four thirty-yard dumpsters worth of traps from
the waters near Lafitte.” LDWF initiated the volunteer-based
Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program in 2004 to address removal of derelict and abandoned crab traps. The program is
funded in part by the sale of Louisiana commercial and
recreational crab fishing licenses. Since the program’s inception, volunteers have assisted in removing nearly 27,366
traps. Removal of these traps is imperative since they increase ghost-fishing mortality of blue crabs and other
species captured incidentally, interfere with other commercial fishing gear types, create navigational hazards and reduce visual appeal of the environment.