Texas Abandoned Crab Trap Removal

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has announced the dates for the 2025 Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program. From February 21 to March 2, Texas coastal waters will be closed to crabbing with wire mesh crab traps, allowing volunteers to remove lost or abandoned traps. Any traps left in bays—including those tied to docks—will be classified as litter under state law and can legally be removed by volunteers.

Why This Matters

Abandoned crab traps pose a serious threat to marine wildlife and the fishing industry. When left unchecked, these traps continue to capture marine life, a phenomenon known as “ghost fishing.” Since 2001, over 44,000 abandoned traps have been removed, saving an estimated 720,000 blue crabs and protecting Texas’ marine ecosystem.

How to Get Involved

Volunteers play a vital role in this conservation effort. On February 22, organized volunteer events will take place at various locations along the Texas coast. Those who wish to participate can register with TPWD or partner organizations. Volunteers can also work independently throughout the 10-day closure period but must ensure all trap removals occur within the official timeframe.

Where to Volunteer

TPWD has set up multiple trap drop-off sites along the Texas coast. Facilitated volunteer events will take place at select locations, while other sites will have designated dumpsters for independent removals. Some key locations include:

• Galveston Bay – Jones Lake State Ramp, Fort Anahuac County Park
• Matagorda Bay – Matagorda Harbor, Railroad Park (Palacios)
• San Antonio Bay – Port O’Connor TPWD Docks, Seadrift Marina
• Corpus Christi Bay – South Conn Brown Harbor Public Ramp
• Lower Laguna Madre – Port Mansfield Navigation District Ramp

A full list of drop-off sites and local coordinators can be found on the TPWD website.

What Volunteers Need to Know

• Volunteers can pick up free tarps, gloves, and additional resources from TPWD Coastal Fisheries field stations.
• Data collection is encouraged—volunteers should record the number of traps collected and report sightings of diamondback terrapins to Holly Grand at crabtrap@tpwd.texas.gov.
• All other legal crabbing methods remain unaffected during the closure period.