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Location for 2019 Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program updated

19-5-CWS

January 16, 2019

Location for 2019 Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program updated

BILOXI, Miss. –The state Commission on Marine Resources voted Tuesday that the crab trap closure, set to take place Feb. 7 through Feb. 16, 2019, for commercial and recreational crab fishermen, will be in effect in all Mississippi territorial bays, bayous and territorial waters located one-half mile of the mainland shoreline.

The schedule for the 2019 Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program is as follows:

•       Feb. 7 – 13 – All commercial and recreational crab fishermen must use this time to remove their own traps from all waters within one-half mile from the main shoreline. As a reminder, it is illegal to remove traps licensed to another person outside of the approved trap removal dates. This will be strictly enforced.
•       Feb. 14 – 16 - All traps remaining in the closure area will be considered derelict and will be removed and recycled. Volunteers may remove remaining traps from the closure area during these dates. Derelict traps may be dropped off at Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) designated sites for recycling from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Point Park in Pascagoula, Ocean Springs Harbor and Pleasure Street Boat Launch in Bay St. Louis.
•       Feb. 17 – Beginning at 6 a.m., all active traps may be returned to the closure area and crab fishing may resume.

The Mississippi Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program has removed and recycled over 21,600 traps since its inception in 1999. Volunteers interested in participating in this year’s program can contact the MDMR Shrimp and Crab Bureau at (228) 374-5000 for more information.

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at dmr.ms.gov.

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