FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 27, 2014
GTM RESEARCH RESERVE ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL
DERELICT CRAB TRAP REMOVAL
~Twenty-seven traps removed from local waters~
PONTE VEDRA BEACH – The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
announced that the Northeast Florida Aquatic Preserves conducted their
first derelict crab trap removal event from Aug. 21-23, 2014. This successful
removal of 27 traps was a collaborative effort of the Northeast Florida Aquatic
Preserves, the GTM Research Reserve, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) and Neil Armingeon, Matanzas Riverkeeper.
"This was an exciting and rewarding opportunity for us to work with a
variety of organizations to make a positive impact on our estuarine
system," said Andrea Small, manager of the Northeast Florida Aquatic
Preserves.
Derelict crab traps have either been abandoned or lost by their owners. They
are collected during a defined and brief time period when no permitted traps are in the water. Two GTM Research Reserve boats
assisted in the removal of 27 traps for a total of 400 pounds of marine
debris collected and removed from
the area between the town of Marineland and the Guana River.
Elimination of these derelict traps helps to
protect numerous forms of marine life, including fish, birds, invertebrates,
dolphins, turtles and manatees. Otherwise, these creatures could get caught in the
traps or entangled in the tether lines.
Future derelict trap removals will happen throughout the state at
various locations. FWC accepts applications year-round for derelict trap
removal events that can take place during both open and closed seasons for the
harvest of species for which submerged traps are permitted.
To submit an application to host a derelict trap
removal event or for more information, click here.
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