In Tampa Bay, it is estimated that there are thousands of abandoned crab traps that have been accumulating in the bay for decades. The temporary closure on July 11 is a unique opportunity that only happens once every two years. It allows us to remove any trap from the water because during the closed season, all crab traps are considered derelict. ReelCycle will assist in the cleanup and recycle the collected the traps after the event is concluded.
Who: Anyone with a boat that is willing to help remove abandoned traps from the waters. Tampa Bay Watch will provide tarps, but your boat will get dirty.
When: Saturday, July 11 from 9am to noon
Where: We are recruiting volunteers for six different locations throughout the bay, so you can choose which location you would prefer to participate. The locations are:
- Belleair Causeway boat ramp in Belleair Bluffs
- Upper Tampa Bay at Courtney Campbell Causeway boat ramp
- Alafia River at Williams Park boat ramp
- Cockroach Bay boat ramp
- Boca Ciega Bay at Fort De Soto boat ramp
- St. Petersburg at Demen’s Landing boat ramp
All volunteers will meet at their designated location at 9AM on July 11 for an introduction and event briefing. Dumpsters will be placed at each location for the proper disposal of the traps.
