Since 2004, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), together with individual volunteers and organizations, has successfully removed and disposed of over 45,000 abandoned and derelict crab traps. The removal of these crab traps is especially important to boating safety and crab harvesting efforts.
Looking for possible options to improve upon the derelict crab trap removal (DCTR) program, LDWF has contracted the Pontchartrain Conservancy to assist in the formation of alternative options within the DCTR program. These alternative options will focus on improving the program by gaining more participation from commercial fishermen, removing additional traps each year, and exploring methods to reuse recovered derelict crab traps. Input from LDWF, other state agencies, and industry stakeholders will be used for program development. If a favorable alternative option is determined, the Secretary of LDWF, through authority delegated by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, can allow for a one-year pilot program to take place during the 2021 derelict crab trap closure areas.
The Pontchartrain Conservancy has already sought out blue crab stakeholder input at the October 6, 2020 Louisiana Crab Task Force meeting. Discussion from the crab task force meeting about alternative DCTR options can be listened to here using meeting passcode s=3+t93? The presentation can be viewed at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X9RLjKb_oPmAQdX_WPrmES7yxZyXKw4e/view?usp=sharing
The Pontchartrain Conservancy is seeking additional input from industry members, other commercial fishers, and from the general public. If you are interested in the DCTR program, please attend the virtual meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm by clicking on the following link:
https://wlf-la.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3VUYeiFnQ1S6G62I6ijTJA
Any additional comments can be submitted to the Pontchartrain Conservancy by sending an email to DCTR2021@scienceforourcoast.org or regular mail at:
Pontchartrain Conservancy
PO Box 6965
Metairie, LA 70009
Attn: DCTR pilot program
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. LDWF receives no state general funding and depends on license sales as a major funding source. Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here.