Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo Successful in Barataria Basin

Robert Boothe (right) of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries drives a LDWF vessel back to shore as volunteers prepare to unload the crab traps collected.

Baton Rouge, La.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) held one of its annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo events in Lafitte on Saturday, Feb. 8. It was a huge success with 47 participants and nearly 400 traps recovered from the Barataria Basin.

Participants included representatives from Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Louisiana, Louisiana Sea Grant, LSU AgCenter, LSU students, and members of the fishing community. Volunteers helped collect traps in the field, unload and count traps at the dock, and properly dispose of each derelict trap by smashing and then stacking in a dumpster. The Lafitte volunteer event was sponsored by the Jean Lafitte Harbor and Da Barge Restaurant. They provided free vessel access and delicious lunch of white beans and jambalaya for each volunteer.

LDWF appreciates the volunteer participation, as the success of the rodeos helps to keep our Sportsman’s Paradise pristine. Derelict crab traps can result in navigational hazards, interfere with commercial and recreational fishing gear, and degrade the aesthetics of our natural environment. Additionally, these traps increase ghost-fishing mortality of blue crabs and other species captured incidentally.

The program, which has removed more than 41,000 derelict crab traps across coastal Louisiana since its inception, is funded by commercial angler gear fees.

The second volunteer day – this one for the Calcasieu Basin – will be Saturday, Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cameron Parish public boat launch located on the western shore of the Calcasieu River Ship Channel, north of the Highway 82 Cameron Ferry.

Commercial fishermen are encouraged to participate, as their experience with the local waters and ability to stack traps on their vessels is valuable. To better coordinate volunteer activities, volunteers are encouraged to register in advance at: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2uv0DDFcKP4UJLv

For more information on the Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program, go to http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/derelict-crab-trap-removal, or contact Peyton Cagle at (337) 491-2575 or pcagle@wlf.la.gov.