Volunteers Needed for Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup in Mobile Bay, May 3-4

The Alabama Marine Resources Division (MRD) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) invites the public to take part in a derelict crab trap cleanup in Mobile Bay on Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, 2024. The derelict traps will be marked on Friday and removed on Saturday. There will be a post-event social at Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort on Saturday, May 4, at approximately 1 p.m.

This Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program event is a coordinated effort between MRD and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance and includes volunteer support by the Coastal Conservation Association.

Groups or individuals interested in volunteering should contact Jason Herrmann with the MRD at (251) 968-9734, or by email at [email protected].

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Volunteer kayakers are needed on Friday, May 3, to help MRD mark derelict crab traps in the shallow flats of the Upper Mobile Bay across from the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship. The main cleanup event will take place the following day.

On Saturday, May 4, small shallow-draft powered vessels will be needed to collect and deliver the derelict crab traps to the disposal site located at the Choccalotta Bay Boat Ramp.

Volunteers without vessels can help out onshore by moving the traps from the vessels to the dumpster. They may also ride along on a volunteer vessel with the permission of the vessel operator.

Useful Items to Bring: waders, work gloves, sunblock, water and snacks, wire snips, first aid kit, hat, tarps, hammers, tie-downs, radios and phones.

Staging Area: Choccalotta Bay Boat Ramp, 3101 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort, Alabama, 36527

Date and Time: 8:30 a.m. on both Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4.

Post-cleanup Social: Approximately 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at Meaher State Park, 5200 Battleship Parkway East, Spanish Fort, Alabama, 36577.

AIRBOAT OPERATORS
Airboats will be permitted to participate in the cleanup but must register with MRD no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Any airboat operating under MRD jurisdiction that is not registered prior to the event will be in violation of the law and subject to citation

DERELICT CRAB TRAP REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL
Anyone who removes crab traps from the identified cleanup areas does so under MRD jurisdiction. All collected traps must be disposed of in the MRD dumpster located at the Choccalotta Bay Boat Ramp on the day of the cleanup.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL CATCHERS
Commercial and recreational crab catchers will not be required to remove traps that are placed and identified according to MRD regulations. Crab traps that do not have proper identification will be considered marine litter and can be removed by any individual participating in the cleanup during the two-day period.

ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com.

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