Volunteers
Needed for Derelict Crab Trap Clean-ups
Posted:
2/14/07
The Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is asking for
volunteers to assist with the 2007 Derelict Crab Trap Removal
Program. Volunteers and boats are needed to collect traps
and assist with their disposal at the designated disposal
sites.
The crab
trap closures and clean ups will begin on Saturday, Feb. 24
and end Sunday, March 4 in a portion of the Lake Pontchartrain
estuary and begin Saturday, March 3 and end Sunday, March
11 in a portion of the Barataria Bay estuary near Lafitte.
Traps
within the closure area may be picked up at any time within
the closure period, but it would be more beneficial if volunteers
participated on Saturdays when LDWF personnel will be available
and supplies (tarps, gloves, grappling hooks, garbage bags,
etc.) distributed. LDWF Sec. Bryant Hammett, announced the
following designated disposal sites for each closure:
- Lake
Pontchartrain Estuary -- the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
boat launch on lower Bayou Lacombe, The Dock at Eden Isles,
Lake Catherine Marina, and Bonnabel Public Launch.
- Barataria
Bay -- C-Way Marina in Lafitte.
Handling
derelict traps in the water or at the disposal sites can be
a dirty and messy job. Volunteers are reminded to wear appropriate
protective clothing.
More details,
including additional regulations, maps, description of the
closure areas, and instructions for volunteers are available
at the Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program Web site at www.derelictcrabtrap.net.
