Volunteers, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff and partner organizations removed 973 abandoned crab traps from Texas coastal waters during the 2026 Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program, officials said.
The annual program, now in its 24th year, temporarily closes Texas waters to crabbing each February for 10 days, allowing volunteers to legally remove derelict traps, including those tied to docks. Traps left during the closure are considered abandoned under state law.
Holly Grand, ACTRP and Coastal Outreach Coordinator for TPWD, said the cleanup helps prevent lost fishing gear from harming marine life and local fisheries.
“This program continues to be essential for reducing the number of derelict crab traps that can be found along the coast,” Grand said. “The support of our volunteers, partners, and staff is crucial for the success of this program.”
Volunteers rescued dozens of marine animals from the traps before disposal, including 320 blue crabs, 201 stone crabs, 21 sheepshead, 13 catfish, three flounder and two diamondback terrapins. Abandoned traps can damage shrimpers’ nets, snag anglers’ lines and create unsightly views, in addition to continuing to “ghost fish,” which kills marine life.
Since the program began, volunteers and TPWD staff have removed more than 46,000 derelict traps, saving an estimated 756,461 blue crabs.
The program is supported by numerous nonprofit and government partners, including the Coastal Conservation Association Texas, Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Galveston Bay Foundation, San Antonio Bay Partnership, Christmas Bay Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Gulf of America Alliance.
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