Derelict Crab Trap Rodeos

Information

Louisiana Sea Grant (LSG), working with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and community volunteers, is on a mission to clean coastal waters of derelict crab traps.

Derelict traps are those that have been discarded, lost or abandoned in the environment. Traps can be accidentally lost if they become separated from their buoys by storms or passing boats. Many continue to fish, ensnaring blue crabs and other important aquatic species. Additionally, these wire mesh enclosures pose a potential navigation hazard to boats and can become entangled in other fishing gear like shrimp trawl nets.

In addition to removal, the project includes an educational element designed to reduce the number of traps lost annually and to lessen the impacts of traps in the environment. Data were also collected on the number and types of animals found in the recovered crab traps.

Volunteer Days for 2023

1. Terrebonne Basin
  A dedicated volunteer day will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Isle de Jean Charles Marina located at 571 Island Rd, Montegut, LA 70377. You may contact Peyton Cagle at 337-491-2213, or [email protected] for directions. To better coordinate volunteer activities, volunteers are encouraged to register in advance.

Derelict Crab Trap Closures for 2023

visit LDWF for full closure details

1. Pontchartrain Basin
  The first closure will take place in the Pontchartrain Basin, in an area between Delacroix, River Aux Chenes, and Bayou Terre Aux Boeufs, from 12 a.m. February 1, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. February 14, 2023.
2. Barataria Basin
  The second closure will take place in the Barataria Basin, in an area south of Port Sulphur and Empire, from 12 a.m. February 1, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. February 14, 2023.
3. Terrebonne Basin
  The third closure will take place in the Terrebonne Basin, in an area south of the Pointe Aux Chenes Wildlife Management Area, from 12 a.m. February 1, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. February 14, 2023
4. Sabine Basin
  The fourth closure will take place in the Sabine Basin, in the LA portion of Sabine Lake, from 12 a.m. February 17, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. February 26, 2023