Volunteers Remove 4,000 Pounds of Trash and 128 Ghost Traps from Tampa Bay

A Community Effort to Combat Ghost Traps in Tampa Bay

FORT DE SOTO — On a recent Saturday morning, a group of dedicated volunteers set out from the boat ramp in Tampa Bay with a clear mission: to scan the vast waters of Florida’s largest open-water estuary for abandoned crab traps and remove them. Their efforts were part of an event known as the “Ghost Trap Rodeo,” a cleanup competition aimed at addressing the growing issue of ghost traps.

Finding one took just two minutes. As the team departed, a fishing charter captain named Neill Holland spotted a trap on a small patch of white sand. This trap, covered in algae and rust, was a textbook example of a derelict crab trap. If left underwater, these traps can create a deadly cycle for marine life, trapping crabs, fish, and other species that eventually die and attract more animals, continuing the harmful process.

Holland, who helped organize the event as president of the nonprofit Ocean Aid 360, emphasized the importance of removing these traps. The nonprofit estimates that 10% of all traps placed in the water become ghost traps, and their impact can last up to five years. In Tampa Bay, crab anglers primarily target stone and blue crabs, with stone crab season running from October to May and blue crabs available year-round.

To address the problem, state wildlife officials introduced a biennial 10-day halt to blue crab season starting in 2009. During this period, any crab trap found in open water between July 10 and July 19 is eligible for removal, provided the proper permits are obtained. The Saturday of the event marked the final day of this short window, and volunteers were eager to collect as many ghost traps as possible.

A total of 109 volunteers participated, using boats, kayaks, wave runners, and even walking along the beaches to scour for debris. While the main focus was on removing ghost traps, other trash was also encouraged for collection. On board Holland’s boat, which was piloted by Pinellas County fishing charter captain Bobby McGuire, volunteers found nine abandoned traps throughout the day. Many contained trapped animals, including baby gag groupers, stone crabs, scorpionfish, and mangrove snappers. One volunteer even rescued a fish that was severely weakened and near death.

Since 2012, over 3,200 ghost traps have been removed from the Tampa Bay region, according to data from state wildlife officials. Traps can be abandoned for various reasons, such as storms pushing them away, boat propellers cutting the ropes, or trappers forgetting to retrieve them before seasonal closures.

McGuire, who has lived and fished around Tampa Bay his entire life, emphasized the importance of responsible trapping practices. He advocates for picking up traps when the season ends and participating in cleanups like the one held that weekend. “You’ve got to give back to what you’re taking from,” he said. “Without clean water, I don’t have a business or a fishery.”

During the event, volunteers encountered other forms of marine debris, including fishing line and baited hooks. At one point, a floating Dr. Pepper bottle turned into a 15-minute effort to reel in thousands of feet of fishing line. Joe Gross, a volunteer from Pasco County, described the experience as a reminder of the dangers that fishing line poses to sea birds and turtles.

The risks became evident when Greg Allen, a volunteer from Seffner, discovered a dead pelican entangled in fishing line near Conception Key. The bird had likely been trapped and starved to death. Allen stressed the importance of public awareness about how trash affects marine life and birds.

In addition to ghost traps, volunteers collected remnants from last year’s hurricanes, including a kitchen sink, a microwave, plastic jugs, and other debris. Over four hours, the teams collected more than 4,000 pounds of marine debris, including nearly 130 ghost crab traps.

Local organizations such as Tampa Bay Watch, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida supported the event. Peter Clark, president of Tampa Bay Watch, highlighted the ongoing need for community involvement in protecting the bay’s ecosystem.

“We’re helping to protect fish and wildlife, we’re taking marine debris out of the bay, and it’s a great project to get the community involved to help restore and protect Tampa Bay,” he said.