Local
Two Chesapeake projects receive $225,000 to recover lost crab traps
Maryland groups will use federal-backed grants to remove derelict crab traps from Herring Bay, Eastern Bay and waters near Tilghman Island. The work aims to reduce harm to marine life and habitat while supporting local watermen.
Two Maryland projects have received about $225,000 to recover abandoned crab traps from the Chesapeake Bay, part of a $1.2 million national effort to clear lost fishing gear from coastal waters.
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science announced the grants Sept. 21. The awards support 11 projects across seven states on the East and West coasts.
The Oyster Recovery Partnership received about $99,000 to work with local watermen to remove derelict blue crab traps from Herring Bay. Rauch Inc. received $126,000 to recruit commercial watermen to collect abandoned traps around Eastern Bay and Tilghman Island and prepare them for reuse.
Lost or discarded traps can continue catching marine animals, damage underwater habitat and pose hazards to boats. The cleanup program also gathers information about the gear and supports efforts to prevent future losses.
VIMS has led the nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention program since 2023, after receiving support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to expand its cleanup work. Earlier efforts by VIMS, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and local watermen removed 34,000 abandoned crab pots between 2008 and 2014.