Volunteer: Removal of Derelict Crab Traps in Biscayne

Call for Volunteers: Biscayne National Park is looking for volunteers to help pull derelict and abandoned crab traps during the 10-day trap season closure in July.

What: Volunteers will be searching for and removing “derelict” crab traps and trap debris from the waters of Biscayne Bay south of Black Point.

Why: Lost and abandoned traps and trap debris cause significant damage to the marine environment. In addition to scouring the bottom and destroying seagrass, sponges, etc., unattended traps can still entrap marine life and may continue to “ghost fish” for years. Trapline and floats litter the mangrove shoreline and can entangle and eventually kill marine flora and fauna Read the Miami Herald article “Something’s haunting Biscayne Bay: ghost traps”

When: Saturday, July 15, 2017, from 8 a.m. until noon or when you’ve had enough.

Where: Black Point at Shrimpers Row (We’ll let you know exactly where well before the event)

How: Teams will be seeking out abandoned traps and trap debris and removing them from the water for disposal. Any bycatch (crabs, fish, etc.) in the traps will be set free. Data about the traps, such as their location and what’s inside them, will also be collected.

What To Bring:

• This event is BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) – We’ll be using kayaks, canoes, and shallow-draft skiffs / jon or flats boat. Outside of the canals the water is quite “skinny.” (Let us know if you don’t have a boat, but want to volunteer – a limited number of canoes may be available and/or paddle partners may be needed).

All the usual stuff for a day on the water including:

• Personal Floatation Device (PFDs are essential.)
• Hat, Sunscreen, Polarized Sunglasses, Plenty of Water, and something to eat.

Other stuff that will come in handy:

• Gloves w/ fingers (rubber-coated work well)
• Handheld GPS (if you have one)
• Cell phone
• A boat hook or any pole rigged with w/ a sturdy hook-shaped object are useful (but not essential) tools when trying to grab a trap. A few will be available at the event but feel free to make/bring your own.
• A pocket knife or “Leatherman”-type multi-tool can also be helpful.

We are currently at capacity for volunteers, but if you are interested in volunteering at future events please join our mailing list.

Questions contact:

Jessica Pierce

305. 665.4769 OR  Jessica@southfloridaparks.org

Note:  For this cleanup event we are removing traps under authorization of FWC.  Please be aware that it is considered to be a serious offense to tamper with traps without FWC’s approval. We don’t want to encourage anyone to remove traps on their own or outside of an officially organized cleanup effort permitted by FWC. Thank you!