TP&W Annual Crab Trap Removal Project

The Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program (ACTRP) was created by Senate Bill 1410 during the 77th (2001) Legislative session. This bill granted the TPWD Commission authority to create a ten-day crab trap closure that begins the third Friday of each February.  Crab traps left in the water during this time are considered litter and may be disposed of appropriately.  Before this law, only law enforcement officials could legally remove abandoned crab traps from Texas’ marine waters. Since 2002, volunteers have removed over 40,000 abandoned traps from Texas waters.

Volunteers are needed to assist in the coast-wide effort to remove numerous crab traps that have been lost or abandoned since last year’s cleanup. To facilitate volunteer efforts, select sites will have volunteer events on Saturday, Feb. 17.

The Christmas Bay Foundation will sponsor, provide boats (bringing your own boat is welcomed) and equipment for this year’s clean-up effort.  For those interested in helping please arrive at the San Luis Park boat ramp no later than 8 AM, Saturday February 17th.  The activity will be wet (and muddy), so volunteers working out of a boat should bring protective gloves and hip/chest waders and a life jacket if you have.

VMS code: RM: Managing Natural Resource Areas and Wildlife (Service Project)

VMS description: Crab trap removal project