Derelict fishing traps not only cost fishers money to replace, but can also compete with active fishing gear by trapping economically important species. Derelict traps can also trap and kill non-target species, such as fish, turtles, and other endangered and threatened species that are not meant to be caught. These new projects will remove derelict fishing traps from coastal waterways while collecting data to prevent future gear loss.

Funding was provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes provisions for the prevention, mitigation, and removal of marine debris from coastal communities and marine ecosystems. The selected projects will work in the following geographies: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, New York, Palau, and Washington.

Additional details can be found on the William and Mary’s Batten School and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science website.