6/4/2023 0 Comments Blue crab season texas![]() Twenty-one species of organisms, many commercially or recreationally important, were observed in these traps with blue crab and stone crab representing 76% of the organisms observed. Biologists estimated that over 11,000 organisms were saved just during the week of the cleanup in 2002. The CBF organized the first mesh crab trap removal program in Christmas Bay in February 2002. The closure will be from Februto February 26, 2023, with our volunteer event taking place on February 18, 2023. Laws allow you to remove crab traps for the ten-day period starting on the third Friday in February. Since 2002, volunteers have removed over 40,000 abandoned traps from Texas waters. Before this law, only law enforcement officials could legally remove abandoned crab traps from Texas’ marine waters. Crab traps left in the water during this time are considered litter and may be disposed of appropriately. This bill granted the TPWD Commission authority to create a ten-day crab trap closure that begins the third Friday of each February. The Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program (ACTRP) was created by Senate Bill 1410 during the 77th (2001) Legislative session. The unattended fishing by crab traps is often referred to as “ghost fishing.” Abandoned traps can also damage sensitive habitats, injuring wade fishers, and damaging boats, motors, and tackle. These are hazards to marine life as well as recreational users of the bay and can remain for months or years – doing continued damage out of sight and out of mind. Unfortunately, some users neglect to leave areas “as they found them,” not only with trash but with abandoned methods of long-term fishing, such as mesh crab traps and trotlines. The Christmas Bay Foundation encourages responsible recreational use of Texas waters and coastal resources, including fishing, crabbing, and boating. ![]()
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