TPWD Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program
Abandoned crab traps result in the inadvertent death of several aquatic species including, but not limited to, blue crabs, estuarine sport fish, stone crabs, birds, diamond-backed terrapins, river otter, and--if found on land--terrestrial animals as well. Not only are abandoned traps hazardous to wildlife, they are unsightly, problematic for fishers and boaters, and can even smother seagrasses. Each year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) closes crabbing in all Texas waters for a 10-day period in February. Any trap left in the water during those ten days is considered "litter" under state law and is susceptible to being removed. TPWD and volunteers, statewide, have been removing crab traps during this closure since 2002, and have recovered nearly 28,000 traps. Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) aids the TPWD program to remove traps during the closed period by providing equipment and volunteers to help with the effort.
2012 Crab Trap Removal
The 2012 Crab Trap Removal will be held on February 18. Come join us on the water to collect abandoned crab traps during TPWD's 10-day closure for crabbing. We especially need volunteers with boats/airboats! Please see our event flyer for more details. To volunteer, contact Julie Mintzer at jmintzer@galvbay.org.
CHANGES TO EVENT ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH
Due to possible inclement weather, the event will now be from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm on Saturday, February, 18. Please check our Facebook page for further updates or call 281.332.3381 X203.
2011 GBF crab trap removal effort at Fort Anahuac Park
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's 10th anniversary for the Crab Trap Removal Program took place in 2011. GBF staff and over 50 volunteers participated at the Fort Anahuac Park site located at Upper Trinity Bay. This group pulled 407 abandoned crab traps on Saturday morning (2/19/2011) with the help of 11 airboats and 3 flat bottom boats. It was a day to remember! Thanks to all who came out to support this effort!
Please contact Julie Mintzer at jmintzer@galvbay.org for any questions about this event.
