LDWF to target abandoned traps in Lake Pontchartrain and the Barataria Basin this month
For the 13th year, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is holding its annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeos in February, with plans to target abandoned traps in both Lake Pontchartrain and the Barataria Basin.
Volunteers are needed to assist with dockside activities including unloading and stacking traps, but the greatest need is for volunteer boat owners to help maximize trap collection.
For Lake Pontchartrain, the volunteer day will be Saturday, Feb. 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pelican Pointe Marina. Volunteers are encouraged to register in advance by clicking here.
The Barataria Basin rodeo will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. at Jean Lafitte Harbor. Volunteers are asked to register in advance by clicking here.
In order to conduct the trap cleanups, licensed crab fishermen and seafood dealers received a notice informing them crab traps must be removed from within the closure areas during the closure period, and all remaining crab traps will be considered abandoned and may be removed by agency personnel or volunteers.
Crab traps may be removed only between one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Anyone may remove these abandoned traps from within the closed areas. Abandoned traps must be brought to LDWF designated disposal sites and may not be taken from the closed area.
These proposed trap removal regulations do not provide authorization for access to private property. Authorization to access private property can only be provided by individual landowners.
Maps of the closure areas can be found here, and the use of traps will be prohibited in the following areas:
· Lake Pontchartrain: The use of crab traps will be prohibited beginning Friday, Feb. 12 at 6 a.m. through Sunday, Feb. 21 at 6 a.m.
· Barataria Basin: The use of crab traps will be prohibited beginning Friday, Feb. 19 at 6 a.m. through Sunday, Feb. 28 at 6 a.m.
· Sabine Lake: The use of crab traps will be prohibited in the following area beginning Friday, Feb. 19 at 6 a.m. through Sunday, Feb. 28 at 6 a.m.
The program, which is funded through commercial fishermen gear fees, has disposed of more than 24,000 derelict crab traps since its inception, according to a release from the LDWF.
